A friend and I were discussing a difficult subject. The difficulty exists not because the message is hard; it tests in the idea’s complexity, scope, and potential impact. After our umpteenth conversation on the subject he said his version of the magic words; “I’ve got it.”
“No, you don’t. But that’s ok. You are asking the right questions, exploring the right areas, and beginning down a path that with time will give you a more complete picture of what it is I am talking about then. In between you don’t have it, you sense it.”
My response wasn’t one of arrogance or trying to make another feel bad. It was and is important to realize that one hasn’t arrived at the destination as well as to reinforce that the questions one is asking will allow the right steps to follow. In time young one!
In any of a myriad of issues I could have been the one thinking “I’ve got it!” Usually time tells me the true story; occasionally I have a friend who helps me understand how far I have yet to go. In the process I I find that the more questions one asks the stronger the indicator of progress really is. “What do you mean by this? How does this happen?” (John 3.9)
It is as if the more questions one asks the more insight potential exists! You can do this in love, in friendship, and in worship. Ask those you care about and even those you don’t. You will be amazed at what happens next. Be prepared though, forward progress is not always smooth, bump free, or easy, yet it is progress.
I find that as I begin to look back to see forward that it is in the moments of the deepest questions that I have the opportunity to makes the greatest strides forward. I like that! I want to leap and jump, skip and run. First steps are important but let’s get on with the great strides!
Today is an invitation to step out with God. Seize the day!
