GroshLink

The Inquiring Nuns (1968) ask people on the street, inside/outside Roman Catholic churches, and in museums around Chicago, "Are you happy? ... What makes you happy? ... What makes you unhappy? ... Why?" 

Last night while watching The Inquiring Nuns with Theresa, I was reminded how asking good questions, listening, and probing further guides conversation even with people you don't know (or don't know very well). That's central to campus appointments, outreach tables (where I've done similar interview through the years), small group Bible studies, web/email interactions, etc.  What a joy to have the opportunity to not just cold call, but have many opportunities to return to conversation with faculty, researches, students, etc AND pick-up where we left off.  Pray for the Spirit and the Word to enable me to grow in asking good questions, listening and discerning how to share helpful next steps with those whom I minister. 

PS.  Interested in more from The Inquiring Nuns (1968)?  Here's an Interview with a "contemporary" man and a blogger review.

Update: If Theresa and I were interviewing people, we'd prefer to explore contentment or satisfaction instead of happiness.  Harder to ask as simple a question.  Maybe, "How do you find contentment/satisfaction?  Would you describe yourself as contented/satisfied at this time?"  Hmm. ... this would lead to a much different interaction, "Are you happy?" enables a circumstantial, entry door to conversation.  Anyone with thoughts on the topic?