David Brooks, bestselling author and columnist for the New York Times, was on a podcast where he stated that he enjoys getting people to tell their story. That triggered this thought. Story is the doorway to one’s soul. It’s at the soul level that we learn, connect, and nurture each other.

Here are some good questions for learning a person’s story:

The following three are from the David Brooks interview.

• What is the high point of your life?
• What is the low point of your life?
• What is a turning point in your life?

Here are some dinner table questions.

• What was good about your day?
• What was hard about your day?
• What blessed you today?

Here are some couple questions?

• What is something I do that makes you feel loved?
• When do you feel close to me?
• What is one thing you wish I understood better?

If you have a non-talker in your family, you might try using this technique. Say, “Just tell me one thing. Then I’ll leave you alone.” Next, just wait. When they respond, you say thank you and leave. The only rule is every day their response must be different. The hope is the dialogue gets deeper and richer over time.

Prayer

Father, please give me the curious heart of a child. And help me bless others by listening to their stories. Amen.

Bible

• Love one another. John 13:34
• Be like-minded. Romans 15:5
• Encourage one another. 1 Thessalonians 5:11