November 1, 2013 - "Questions"

Good morning everyone, I am running a little behind today as I rested in from a long day yesterday following a long Wednesday. It's rainy here in Georgia and that always says, "it's okay to rest a little longer" to me. How about you? Anyway, after some coffee and reading of the Word, I am feeling a smile in my spirit again. Now, just need a little sunshine and it's on! :) I felt the Lord speak to me about the word questions late yesterday. I was not certain if that was for us, or simply me. But the notion came back to my heart this morning, so I want to talk for a second about that. Have you ever noticed that children, often, ask a lot of questions? Sometimes it's cute and sometimes it can get out of hand. As we mature and grow older, often the questions slow down or in some cases stop. Have you ever thought about that? At what point did the freedom and innocence to ask "whatever" get halted? Questions can be the opening to so many wonderful things: conversation, learning, exploring, etc. and yet I find that many have transitioned from questions to gain information and show concern to statements of opinions and simple facts. Let's consider our daily journey. I was speaking with a young person yesterday who often asks frequent questions, and second-level questions to clarify. I complimented this young lady on her tenacity "to know as opposed to assume." As she is asking things of me - I am teaching and grooming her, but learning what's really important to her as well. I thought about the situations in my life where I feel the most confident. Often, these are cloaked with the most questions. I know asking can be risky sometimes, but I would much rather ask and know the truth. That's why I like having my blood tested a couple of times each year. The testing is a deep-level answer to the questions I have about my health. I don't need unanswered questions about my health to place me in a fight along the journey when it's really too late to fight easily. Right? But beyond our health, let me encourage you to consider asking some of these questions today: "How can I help you?"....."How are you feeling?"....."Can I help with your children today?"....."God, where are you working today and can I help?"....."Father, what's on your heart?" Asking these questions means we need to stop and listen - stop and respond - stop and follow through with a sincere answer. Asking and responding takes time, but shows love and concern. Can you find someone to ask a "them" question this day? We now begin a month of focused attention on being thankful and showing others we care. Challenge: each day ask someone a question that cannot be answered with a simple "yes or no" and allow time to respond. This is a GREAT way of showing someone, especially those you find challenging, that you care. Have a great Friday and I am accepting my own challenge. (wink) PK