Day 27: Ask Better Questions

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

I Thessalonians 2:4

Have you ever asked yourself why you want what you want?  I enjoy taking pictures.  I’ve included a few in this post from a morning photo shoot at Baltimore Washington International Airport.  But I really enjoy taking pictures that make me feel a certain way.  They tell a story.  They move me.  When I’ve taken a picture that I think is beautiful, meaningful or clever I want to share it.  And because of technology I can almost instantly get feedback on the photo.  But what if others would never see the photos.  Would I still want to take them?  Would I still want to spend hours learning composition and editing with Photoshop?  Would it be important to me if I didn’t get the feelings I receive when I share the pictures?

I’ve spent the better part of my life singing.  I will honestly say it’s probably the most enjoyable experience I have.  When I prepare to sing a song and then I share it and see the impact.  I see eyes filled with tears.  People hug me afterwards and tell me how meaningful my performance was.  Singing has been a highlight for me.  (LIVE RECORDING)But what if people weren’t touched by my singing?

I had an interesting experience when I was living in Korea.  I went in 1990 to South Korea to teach English.  For the last 8 months of my visit I was in a smaller city called Chun Cheon.  Every weekend at the language institute I had to preach a sermon.  But most people listening would only understand my interpreter.  So things that I would say in the United States that would be inspiring weren’t always so in Korea.  It was quite humbling.

What if people didn’t get my singing?  What if no one was touched?  A few years back I had the privilege of singing before the President of the United States, Barack Obama.  When I finished he gave me a standing ovation.  That felt so good.  But would I continue to sing if no one clapped?

We have to ask ourselves the right questions to get to the real reasons why we do what we do.  And when we start to get to our true motives and values we can let go of the stuff that was never really ours in the first place.  Letting go is often when healing begins.  What do I really want?  Who is important to me?  What do I value?  How do I want to spend my time?  What do I want my legacy to be?  How will I give God glory with my gifts?

Today I will ask myself better questions until I understand what I really value and where my focus should be.

Thank you so much for reading.  Please subscribe and share with a friend!  Here are the pics I promised.