Just Ask

"Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone." — Colossians 4:6
 
When was the last time you asked a real question and actually listened?
 
The other day, I was talking to my 15-year-old grandson, one of my fishing partners. I asked him, "Do you have any girlfriends right now?"
 
He said, "As a matter of fact, yeah."
 
His dad looked over and said, "Now, that's news to me."
 
All I had to do was ask and listen. "What's her name? What's she look like? What color hair? What color eyes? Where did you meet her?" It was like pulling teeth, but he gave the answers. Because someone cared enough to ask.
 
"The purposes of a person's heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out" (Proverbs 20:5).
 
Most of us don't ask because we're afraid of awkward silence or because we're too busy thinking about what we want to say next. But people are desperate to be known. They're waiting for someone to show genuine interest in their lives.
 
Your grandkids need this. Your spouse needs this. Your coworkers need this. That quiet person at church who never talks to anyone? They need this too.
 
You don't need special training to encourage someone. You just need curiosity and patience. Ask a question. Then close your mouth and let them answer.
 
You might be surprised what they've been waiting to tell someone.