Have You Asked?

I sometimes hear folks remark, “I wish someone would show me how to sharpen my lathe tools, or how to use a skew, or any one of a dozen other things.” I always ask them if they have asked anyone to show them. Invariably the answer is no.

You can’t imagine how many folks would step forward to help if they just knew the other person needed a little guidance or instruction. That is the single highest priority for every woodworking/turning club and church in the world; to teach, show, and explain our craft. I’ll bet there is something you want to know right now. Find someone to ask.

Over the years I have had the extreme good fortune to be in the presence of some incredibly talented craftsmen and women. Whenever I can, I sign up for and am willing to pay to get some one–on–one time with the truly great in my field. You would instantly recognize their names, I’m sure. Since I want to maximize my very precious time with them, I always prepare a list of questions ahead of time. I know this sounds very nerdy and dryly analytical, but I may never have this chance again. Although we discuss other things also, I have always managed to get the majority of my questions answered. No one has ever refused to answer the important ones. Imagine how much further ahead I can be if I don’t have to make all of the mistakes myself.

In my experience, most of the big names in my field are genuinely nice people and are always eager to pass knowledge along when they know someone is sincerely listening. If you could spend 10 minutes face to face with Abraham Lincoln, Plato, Socrates, Luke the Apostle or even Jesus Christ in the flesh, could you think of two or three questions you would like to hear them discuss? I would. I seek out folks who are smarter; more accomplished than me, folks who are doing it right. I ask one or two questions and then listen carefully to their answers. I pay attention. Because it saves a lot of time and effort and helps me make better choices for me and my family.

I recently had the opportunity to spend a few minutes with someone in my field who is having tremendous success in an area I’m interested in. I asked him if he had a strategy, or if it just happened by accident. Of course he had a strategy and he was more than willing to share it with me for free. We are never too old to learn from others.

Think up a couple of questions about something important to you, find someone who actually knows for sure or has been through the same situation you are facing, and ask them. They will help. I know they will because wherever you go, there you are.

Here is my inspiration for this message:

Luke 11:9 KJV

And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

John 16:23 KJV

And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you.

Matthew 21:22 KJV

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.