Alright people, put on your oven mitts and get out your jello molds because here comes Thanksgiving.
One of the things I love most about Thanksgiving is the time for side-by-side conversations. Whether it’s watching the Parade, playing a game, or working alongside each other, those conversations can be special ones.
It’s on my mind because last week I saw a family member I don’t see often. She tends to be quiet, and my questions were not engaging, so I didn’t get to hear about the things she cares about. My intent wasn’t to know all the garbage, but I do want to know what makes her heart sing. If I want to know, I have to ask well.
There are some people in our lives we don’t need to have boundaries with and others that we do. Here are some questions for each.
Regardless of age or how well you know the person…my favorite question is:
Seeking to keep it a little more surface level:
- What is coming up that you are excited about?
- If you could vacation anywhere, where would you go and what would you do?
- Who is someone that inspires you?
- What is the highlight of your week?
- What was Thanksgiving like when you were a kid?
Seeking to know more:
- What was your mother/grandmother like on Thanksgiving?
- What is Thanksgiving to you?
- What dreams do you have for your kids?
- Who was one of the biggest influences on your life?
- What would your days be filled with if nothing was holding you back?
- What feels heavy to you?
Sometimes conversations get unintentionally dark or sad. That’s not a reason to avoid asking, but what can you do rather than stir faster? Try asking, “How have you seen God in the dark places?”
If we want to connect, let’s ask well, and listen with loving, receptive ears. This week let’s prep for more than the meal, let’s prep for conversation.
HLLF,
