Reflection for August 14, 2013

"But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him."(Mark 9:32)

Have you ever had someone say to you "this may be a dumb question."  Every time I hear that I want to say the only dumb question is the one that isn't asked.  I know what often stops me from asking a question, the fear of looking stupid, especially if it is something I think I should know.

Of course we also may not ask a question because we actually don't want to know.  The minute we choose to get information we are then faced with a choice of what are we going to do with that information.

I find that as I've gotten older and a little more assured that I still have things to learn, asking questions has become easier for me.  It probably helps that there are no longer grades attached.  I also know that I don't fear questions being asked of me.  If I know the answer I give it.  If I don't know the answer, I promise to try and find out.

There are subjects that I may never fully understand, but I cannot allow being afraid to squelch my curiosity.  I need the wisdom to know who to ask.  I know it is also helpful to find someone who not only knows, but who has the patience to answer the question without making others feel like idiots.

Blessings,
Ed