Asking and Answering
A number of years ago, we attended a seminar with Jack Canfield. One aspect of his teaching over the years is the principle of asking. As I have come to learn, asking takes a little bit of courage on our part–but asking can bring about blessings to the asker and the askee that may not have come as quickly had one not been willing to ask.
I taught a lesson earlier this month. In this lesson, I felt the weight of the sensitive topic and also an urgency to convey the power of my feelings about the subject with clarity and testimony. As I pondered what I could do to present this lesson, I felt an impression to ask a friend of ours to sing a solo. When I called to inquire of his wife, she told me that he would love to sing in a group but would most likely be uncomfortable to sing by himself. I knew I could take the easy way out (and if I had been in the same position in the past, I probably would have given up altogether)…but I held up my head and called his cell. I said a little prayer for help and got…his voicemail. Thankfully, though, he did call back. When I inquired about his singing a solo, he responded, “I don’t usually do that [insert a short moment of pondering], but this time I will.” WOW. I hung up the phone in a bit of amazement that he actually agreed! I was so happy; I think I thought I could fly for a second. 
A few days later, I had another thought to involve others in my lesson. I pondered three people I could ask to share their thoughts on the subject. The first name came quickly to me, and I made a call with no answer. Okay. No big deal. Then another person’s name came to mind…not someone I would’ve thought to ask, but I called nonetheless. She was busy, but then called back–and when I asked, she said, ”yes.” Then I made another call. This dear friend of mine was out with her husband, yet she took my phone call anyway. She said to me, much like my soloist, something like this: “You know I don’t ordinarily speak up and share a lot during class, but this time I will do it.”
I could’ve kept quiet. I could’ve not asked–but I did. And guess what?!?!?! My lesson was successful–mostly because of the participation of the people that I asked to help me. And because they were willing to open their hearts to say ”yes,” even if it was a stretch for them to fulfill my request, they shared a part of themselves. All were edified.
I felt so blessed by the power of asking. So–what will you ask for today?
