The Power of Questions

25 Monday Apr 2011

Posted by Barbara Isaac in question, thinking

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How come the ants know to save up food for the coming winter months?
What time is it in New Zealand right now?
How did someone figure out that we could write symbols down to communicate the words we speak?
Why isn’t there anything new under the sun?
What is air?
Why can’t we make water?
How do I understand about electricity?
What does Eternity really mean? How does one measure it?
How can I wrap my head around what is not measurable? Like pain, and love, and forever distances—or eternity?
How did the first man grasp the concept of cooking food, or making fire for that matter; how did he make the first fire? Was it by accident?
And why do birds know to fly south for the winter, and come back to the same area the next year? Do they have a GPS built inside their brains?
Why does light make people happy?
Why is salt salty?

There are all kinds of questions. I can ask a question that has a simple yes or no answer, like whether you enjoy ice cream or not. You might use a few words to clarify your answer, but the question requires a limited answer. I can also ask a question to clarify something. I may want to know what kind of ice cream you like, and if your preferences depend on seasons, or time of day, or degree of greediness. I could also ask you a “fact-finding” question about ice cream: who invented this creamy delight, or where was it first sold in cartons? If I were to host an ice cream tasting party, I may ask some “feed-back” questions so that my party would be a success—how many flavors and toppings do you think I should offer, and should the ice cream be served in edible bowls?

Questions can be purposefully loaded with suggestions that are linked to emotions, like, “do you really want to eat this huge bowl of ice cream? Aren’t you trying to lose weight?” They can tear a person down, or make one feel great—“where did you learn how to make such a mean ice cream Sunday?”

But then, there is a different kind of question altogether. This kind doesn’t call for a particular answer, but it fosters thinking. I could for example, ask you about your perspective on how ice cream influences the human body. I could ask you to expand on the thought that ice cream is healing for a broken heart… And these questions might challenge the way you think and provoke an unexpected reaction in your mind. Creativity is fostered in the presence of such questions. Not all questions will have a satisfying answer, but there is a lot to be said about the process happening as we seek to answer.

There are times where we need to ask questions in order to be able to go on with our lives—how do I process this horrible situation? What is my heart saying right now? What does God’s word say about my circumstance? Why did he/she say that? Who can I ask for help?

God is not afraid of my questions. And neither am I.

do

16 Saturday Apr 2011

Posted by Barbara Isaac in moment, Uncategorized

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dog, enjoyment

It is gloomy and rainy outside today, and I am home alone with Charlie, my son’s dog that I am watching for a few days. He is curled up on my lap as I am typing this post, and his body heat feels strangely comforting against me.
Charlie used to dislike me quite a lot…his visits with me were continuous barking sessions, and he was so miserable, and totally relieved when his master came to pick him up. And if I am going to be honest, so was I! Oh well, it’s just a dog anyway. Who cares if he doesn’t like me? I don’t really like him either.

But this time around, things are different. We made friends right away, Charlie and I. It’s really strange, but very cool. He likes me! No barking, no attitude, just a happy dog that follows me around and loves to be petted. His expectant attitude entices me to do things for him I really never intended to do… like go for an extra walk, or drop a little piece of meat on the floor on purpose. His excitement makes it so much fun. I actually caught myself looking forward to seeing him when I got home today.
It’s a dog, for goodness sake, who cares? Well, I guess I do now. What changed? Nothing on my part, that I know of. Charlie changed, and Charlie let me know that he likes me. His affection and behavior totally cause me to like him back and do silly things for him….
Moral of this anecdote? If you want someone to love you back, be like Charlie!

Routine turned special

13 Wednesday Apr 2011

Posted by Barbara Isaac in everyday, excitement, moment, Routine

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moment, routine

I love my everyday routine. It somehow centers me.
But these days, there hasn’t been time for routines… Lots of unusual things are happening as we are putting in a kitchen, planning a wedding, and doing a million other things. So I get up, move, do all I got to do and then go to sleep. And start again the next day.
Early this morning, I had the privilege to sit with my Bible, the Lord and my coffee for a few minutes; what used to be routine felt like a luxury. And I can’t even tell you how lovely it was. I savored every second of it.
Hmm…
May I learn to enjoy the routine as lovely when life gets back to normal.