What’s With the Light Bulb and the Question Mark?

Questions usually bring more illumination than answers. Stories often give more insight than sermons. Getting to the point often moves the inquirer further from it.

We are used to being told what to think and what to believe.

I am often asked for recommendations of restaurants or books or therapists or wisdom for living. And – predictably – I try to give what I think I know and I hope might be helpful. Usually it is not.

Like the wonderful advice I had for my children, most people are respectful of my opinion and then do what they want, do what they had planned. Questions are usually asked for confirmation of what they already know, or think they know. Insight comes mostly from the question, not from the answer.  Illumination from the well thought out wonderment, rather than the ponderous explanation, leads to insight.

And with kids my I have learned that unanswered questions can lead to a thoughtful and even prayerful relationship that lasts a lifetime. Answers often shut down the wonderment.

That’s what the light bulb and the question mark mean.