12 (Days of Questions)

Have you ever been around a 5-7 year old before? Or been one? 

If so, you probably know the inevitable third degree that comes along with their inquisitive brains.

They ask a ton of questions. 

Why is the grass green? Why does that pigs nose feel like that? What color are monsters? How does God hear us talk? How big can frogs be? Isn’t this the most beautiful smelling flower in the whole wide world that you’ve ever seen ever!!?

I think it’s fun because, I ask a lot of questions…some of which are the very same ones that they ask.

It doesn’t bother me to answer their relentless questioning, maybe because I get it.

They want to learn, to understand, to better know the world around them…and who doesn’t?

I guess that’s why I’m so compassionate and gracious towards the questioning…my brains still seeks to understand and know things better as well. So you could say…I’m still a lot like a 5-year-old.

However…a lot of people don’t appreciate those young children’s questions. Nope. Not at all. Patience goes straight out the window. (Fast.)

I have discovered (and by discovered, I mean been told directly to my face) that some people don’t like questions. They don’t want anything questioned. Not a factual question, not a relational question, not a how, and certainly not a why question.

It’s curious to me…because I see no other way to understand or know a situation or person better without asking questions.

“Why did you forget my birthday?” “Well because later there is a surprise party for you and I wanted you to think I forgot it so you wouldn’t be suspicious.” Is much different than not asking that original question and being angry all day and unable to enjoy your party because you were so mad the entire day thinking you were forgotten about.

Silly example? Fine. So be it…hopefully though, you get my point…which is that I, personally, am super thankful for questions.

I am thankful for those who stop to take the time and ask the hard questions…because those are usually the most important ones that need to be asked.

Through this premarital process, a lot of questions have been asked of us. It’s been hard. It’s been heated. It’s even been tearful and painful at times. 

But more than anything it’s been genuine, much deeper than the superficial…and has lead to deeper intimacy.

Bottom line…it has been…and is…completely worth asking the hard questions.

For those of you in my life who have and continue to consistently ask of me the hard things: thank you. 

You make me better.