Recurring Blog Theme Post #1

So I've been thinking.  Since I am blogging daily now, I would like to start some sort of recurring theme to some of my posts.  I don't want to do something tied to a day because that will be a lot of pressure. I was thinking about tips of some sort.  But I want to keep it general to give me a lot of creative leeway.

So until I come up with a better name, I give you the first entry of:

Recurring Blog Theme Post #1

Why do you ask?

This one little question will get you out of some pretty awkward situations and allow you to answer the question that is really being asked.  I use it at work all the time.  Part of my job involves working with other churches that want to use our materials, from Andy's messages to a promo video for an environment.  Most of the time the request for said material comes in through email and with a very general question.  Getting clarification before I answer saves everyone a lot of time.

But the best place I use this is with my kids.  My kids, like all kids, ask tons of questions.  I spent a lot of time answering all these questions only to get to the end of my very long-winded answer to discover I was answering the wrong question.  If you find out why they are asking or (and this one is crucial when questioned in the car) what made them ask, you'll be a lot more efficient.  And get yourself out of a situation where one minute you're talking about why your dog never had any puppies and the next you find yourself explaining periods to your 7-year-old (true story).  All that could have been avoided with a simple, "Why do you ask?"