Asking Questions at the Right Time

Asking a question at the right time, helps you find the flower in the weeds.

Was reading today in I Samuel about Eli and his sons.  As a recap his sons have been disobedient in big ways by not following the laws not only of the community but also their religious faith.  They are grown men now and we get the impression they have been at it for a a while.  Now they are stealing food from people, stealing from God (church), and having sex with whomever they please.

Eli knows all of this about his sons and asks "Why are you doing these things?"

I wonder did Eli not know up until this time?  Did he not hear or see anything suspicious?  According to scripture they were rather out there with their crimes and did not try to hide them.

Like many parents Eli I can imagine is shocked.  He did not raise his sons to be like this.  He never thought they would be so bad!  Still why does he choose now to ask this question?  I suspect as many parents he is feeling guilty and thinking this:

What did I do wrong in raising you?

We wonder as parents is there that one "moment" where I could have done something different a correction that would have led them down a different path?

I think of the young man in Aurora Colorado and his crimes against the community and against God. We still ask the questions at the wrong time: Parents, community, friends -
Why are you doing these things?
What is wrong with you?
How could I have stopped you?

Instead if we had ask the questions at the right time:

How are you?
Would you like to share a  meal?
Can I pray for you?
Can we spend some time together?

You get the idea.  The right question at the right time, can save a life, and many more, and can help find the flower in the weeds.  How many times have you felt lost in the weeds of life? 

 We all need someone to listen to us with loving hearts.  In the book of James (5:6) it is said:

 Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. 

Ask loving questions, confessing to one another, listen to each other and pray. 
Together we can begin the mending of our bodies, minds and souls.

Peace be with you,