Wish You Well

What is the one thing without which Christmas cannot happen? A court case reminds us that it shouldn’t be so hard for Christians to do what Christians do.

Think back to late March 2023. In Utah, a courtroom drama was unfolding that captured the nation’s attention for at least 48 hours — eons in the Twitter and TikTok era.

Terry Sanderson, a retired optometrist, had been in litigation with Academy Award-winning actress Gwyneth Paltrow for seven years, ever since a collision between the two of them in 2016 on the slopes of a Utah skiing resort. Now they faced each other in court. Sanderson had lowered his claim from $3.1 million to $300,000, and Paltrow had countersued, seeking $1 and attorney fees.

Witnesses were called. Statements were made. Both litigants took the stand. And when the dust settled, Paltrow prevailed, and the long ordeal was over.

Except for what she said as she left the courtroom. Her words became an internet meme.

According to Sanderson himself, her exact words were: “Wish you well.”

She had walked behind his table, paused, placed a hand in the small of his back and whispered words intended ...