Dare To Ask

I remember the day I started a new research job many years ago now. One of the first pieces of advice, I've never forgotten, even if I don't always put it into practice.

There are no stupid questions.

Some may disagree, but you can't live life not knowing what you don't know. And how will you find out if you don't ask?

Even in the smallest of matters and more in the things in which you've put off resolving. For whatever reason in doing so.

Such was my recent experience. A matter that I had been meaning to take care of months ago and it kept getting delayed... albeit it entirely within my control to get it sorted out. So, I finally made the call. And asked for some help from those on the other line who were able help make my case to those who could authorize the solution.

Needless to say, it was 20 minutes well spent. They met me half way. Which makes it that much easier for me to handle my part and responsibility in the matter. But were in not for the asking...

I keep getting reminded by a number of men in my life who have a few years on me; that we all have our moments of getting things wrong. We take care of problems and conflicts thinking we know what we are doing, what's the best way to handle it, manage it, solve it... and we make it worse as often as we make it right. At least if feels as if that is the case.

And those are the times that make me want to stop asking for help; to stop feeling like I don't know what I'm doing. Which is usually about the time that I prove to those around me that I don't have a clue. I'd been better off risking to ask the stupid question.

Even in our relationship with God, wisdom and clarification never hindered anyone, except for when it wasn't provided because it wasn't sought out.

So, on this #deaconThursday, pray that no matter the experience or expertise that church leaders would continue to be people who would ask and seek answers and solutions to that which confuses or confounds them. May they be people who seek the truth; both in God's Word and the circumstance in which they daily face. Pray that fear, shame, arrogance or pride would not keep them from growing in wisdom and knowledge. May they seek the face of God and draw from the life experience and understanding of those around them.

For if we are to live and move in unity
Then we must share in our knowledge
And trust in His grace.
For the glory of God.

- PNC