Wednesday, September 9, 2009

The Big Question!!!

In the last few days, I have been asked what I call, "The Big Question!" Many thoughts of what that question might be, may be running around in your mind. Okay, I will let you in on what that question is.

"ARE YOU OKAY?"

Now you maybe saying, that is not a Big Question. That is a simple question. It is asked everyday by many people of many different people. Just because it has been and is asked, doesn't mean it is an easy question to answer.

I have in the past found myself not asking people that question because there are times, I don't want to stop and take the time to hear the answer or even pretend that I care when then the answer is given. I have felt that if I ask someone that, I need to stop, focus and listen. If I don't then I feel that I must not care about that person and what they are going through,

Conversely, I have been struck with the fact that in the last two days, I have stopped counting at 45 times that I have been asked The Big Question only to find that the person asking wasn't interested in hearing how I really was doing. They were either being courteous but not able to, willing to or just didn't wait to hear the answer. In at least 5 of those times I was asked the question and the person asking, answered how I was doing and assumed that all was great despite my honest answer. A couple of times that I was asked and shared how I was doing and feeling, the individuals said that it couldn't be and that there was no way, that I was really feeling those feelings.

Now I am not trying to whine, I am only thinking and processing, when we ask The Big Question, do we really and truly want to know the answer? Do we ask to just be polite? Do we want to help shoulder the burden they may share with us?

So, I am challenging myself to rethink when I ask the question I need to be sure I want to hear the answer and do what I can to help with the response and the responder. Also, I may need to find a different question to ask if I am just being polite, pleasant and creating small talk.

I am thankful that my wife when she asks me, really wants to know. She has asked me a few times this week and has stopped, listens, prayed and then offered advise. Thanks for that Babe!! I am honored that you care, share and are there for me.

Just a thought I have been pondering...any thoughts or responses? Would love to hear them.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

What a difference that makes!!

Often times I find myself telling someone, "You bet, I will pray for you.", then realize that just hours later or even days have gone by and I haven't stopped to pray once for them. Now you may say, that is no big deal, God knows but in my mind, that is a big deal.

I believe that I have made an agreement with that person to pray for them and talk with God directly on their behalf. That is a big deal. In a recent conversation with my son who is in Iraq, he mentioned that he knew people were praying for him. He could sense that. He is halfway around the world and in the middle of the world's big sandbox...what a difference that makes!!!

Knowing that there are people praying for someone, something going on in another persons life or family is a big deal. Also, to realize that I get to have a small part in that life situation, that makes a big difference.

Since recognizing my shortcoming in praying for people, I now have started to stop immediately what I am doing and if possible, pray with them right there and if not with them, stop my activity and pray right then. What a difference that makes!!!

The difference is immediate because, I have just taken the need, problem, concern, worry or situation into the throne room of the Creator of ALL THINGS!!! He, God, really cares and really listens...what a thought! Then, the person knows, that I did what I said I would do. In addition, because I have gone to the Lord with that request, I am reminded of the prayer later and will again go before the Lord with the prayer again...this, is praying at all times. Not a set time, when the Holy Spirit prompts me to pray.

So, next time you tell someone you will pray for them, stop right there, do it and then watch and see how the Lord works in and through the situation. And, when He wakes you at 2 am to pray, do so with joy as you know that the One who hears our prayers, answers them...what a difference that makes!!!