March 19

For today's Forward Day by Day reading, Click Here.

Listening-And-Asking-Questions. What a great resource in ye ole tool box. This gadget is harder for some than others. It's a heavier, clunkier tool for those of us who like to begin every conversation or story with the word "I." Every dialogue is peppered with "I's" and "me's" and the content pretty much revolves around the biggest star of the show..."ME" or "MY____."

The use of this tool requires us to shut up and listen. Then ask questions. The joy that results is someone sharing personal details and experiences that could very well be blessings to you. At the very least, you have made that person feel awesome about themselves!

I use Listening-And-Asking-Questions for a living. First at the Business Journals in Austin and Jacksonville, then at The Resident and now at a school. I can tell you (look here I go with the I's and me's! Sorry, but point needed here...) open-ended, less specific questions yield the best answers. And those uncomfortable, long pauses or bits of silence? Well, don't interrupt those with a nervous fill-in. My experience has shown me that a brilliant answer ensues. All that...when we ask questions, and listen.

Just like in the reading today, we can treasure these moments in our heart:

Luke 2: "After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers."