TOOLS OF THE TRADE
They say you only get one thing to be truly great at in this life… I’m not sure if it’s true, but I’m kinda hoping it’s not. I’ve seen people who’ve mastered their art or trade with such precision it is art regardless of the tool. I have a friend Perry, whose dad was a block mason. Granted, I’m a simple man, but watching Bob work made that ole’ trowel look like magic. Bob could make mortar defy gravity. To be honest, I’m more impressed with that type of tool than I am, say a golf club or ball, but it’s all kinda the same thing.
The tools we use often change with age… and usually get lighter, especially for men. Maybe that’s the equivalent of the body turning in its notice of resignation to the brain. So the brain looks for new jobs or tasks for the whining employee; the body. Something lighter that it can handle.
I’ve shared a few stories of tools I’ve used in my life. I recall with gratification the times I held a Skilsaw in my hand or hands, harnessing the awesome power that has done so much, but left much carnage along the way. I glance at the end of my middle finger on my left hand, slightly deformed by the snarled blade that tore through the end of it. The doctor folded what was left together and sewed it up. I was one of the lucky ones.
I’ve used exotic tools in my life, but probably one of the simplest of tools is my all time favorite. That particular tool has been part of my life from early on. My elbow sings a song of protest when I hold our old favorite, but I enjoy the feeling just the same.
It feels comfortable in my hand… Like a part of me, a lifelong friend; my hammer…I can still spin it in my hand like a gunfighter does his pistol. That tool too can do damage, but I can’t fault the tool itself… it’s operator error. How many hammers have smashed hands and especially fingers? I’ve lost more than a few fingernails at the hands – make that, the head of a hammer.
My first hammer helped earn me $25 a roof for every one I nailed off while I was in high school… That tool became part of who I am, through good times and bad. It’s a pretty safe bet to say the pen in my hand will never reach the level of skill I did with a hammer… but I’m still in the same business; the business of building.
I’d say we all are… We are either tearing down or building up…
What are you using the tools of the trade for?
Dan Black
Sunday, September 30, 2012 @ 9:53 pm
I believe God has called us to be stewards of our gifts and talents(tools). To be stewards of them requires actively using them to help others. So I’m doing my best to use what God has given me to help and add value to other people.
Floyd
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 6:45 pm
I can say first hand that you do indeed use your tools to help others, Dan. And I truly appreciate your heart.
Lincoln Parks
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 6:13 am
Floyd, confession time here for me 🙂 My dad is a Contractor and owns his own Construction company back in the Bahamas. Now there were many summers that I worked with him learning the trade. He had me work with Brick masons, Carpenters, Fine Cabinet carpenters, roofers, Electricians but I still did not pick up much. I too have lost a few finger nails when it comes to the hammer, but luckily those grow back.
I think the tool that God has me using is my ability to speak and write. I absolutely love it. I want to use those tools to build whatever I need to successfully. Thank you so much for sharing.
Floyd
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 6:47 pm
I agree with you, Lincoln. You have the passion, drive, and talent to speak and write. Tools from God… How cool is that?
Jay Cookingham
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 7:30 am
Remember that old folk song “If I had a Hammer” well, with me it would be title “If I had hammer (you should take it away from me)” I go into Home Depot in disguise so I don’t get shunned by the other customers!
Seriously though…I think my tool is forgiveness. You bang a few fingers forgiving people but in the end it can rescue a relationship. Thanks for sharing bro’!
tcavey
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 8:12 am
Love the title of your song Jay!
Seriously though, I’ve never been a fan of “If I had a Hammer”, though it’s an easy song to make fun of.
Floyd
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 6:50 pm
I personally am too tired to, “Hammer all over this land…”
tcavey
Thursday, October 4, 2012 @ 8:06 am
Me too! If I had a hammer, I wouldn’t hammer all over this land, I’d throw it away!
Actually I’d put it in a drawer in case I ever needed to hammer. But that’s what I have a spouse for, so don’t think I will need that hammer.
Floyd
Thursday, October 4, 2012 @ 6:49 pm
Good call, TC! Besides… you might chip a nail! And not the metal kind!
Floyd
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 6:48 pm
You know the world would be a better place if we tried to develop that gift of forgiveness. That is just one of many tools you possess, my friend. I mean come on – who else can do a cartoon strip with Lambo and Chop?
tcavey
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 8:10 am
Great post. We all have tools and need to use it them.
tcavey
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 8:13 am
I’m still learning what my tools are and trying to fine tune them 🙂
Floyd
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 6:50 pm
I know for sure you have the gifts of encouragement and leadership, TC.
tcavey
Thursday, October 4, 2012 @ 8:05 am
Thanks Floyd. Nice to hear!
Floyd
Thursday, October 4, 2012 @ 6:48 pm
Truth has a nice ring to it…
Floyd
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 6:49 pm
Thanks, TC. That we do and I appreciate you using the ones that God has given you and put on your heart.
Jason Stasyszen
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 9:51 am
I like how we use different tools at different times of our lives. Well, I say I like it, but it’s very uncomfortable to make the switch. God’s grace makes the difference though and we can be builders until we take our last breath if we rely on Him. Good stuff, Floyd. Thanks!
Floyd
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 6:53 pm
Thanks, Jason. I agree 100%. And we are called to use them everyday of our lives. What a blessing we have to possess the wisdom to know what they are and exercising the gift brings gratification that is unparalleled.
Betty Draper
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 12:39 pm
I think my best tool is my voice. I love to encouraged others with it and hate it when I use it to tear down. Next would be my arms to hug others… then feet to travel to encourage others. Along with feet would be hands to write encouraging words to others.
I present my body to be a living sacrifice to be used as He wants. And He always wants me to be an encourager.
Good post brother. Blessings
Floyd
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 6:54 pm
I can’t think of another person who has that special gift of encouragement like you do. Your wise and kind words have a way of calming my soul. I know it does for others as well. Thank you for sharing your gift with me. I’m lifted and honored. Thank you, Betty.
Lisa notes
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 1:51 pm
Our tools get lighter. I haven’t really thought of it that way, but I see it’s true. My most powerful tool is my pen and keyboard, both pretty light. I pray that I’m using my tools to build up, not tear down. Love this post, Floyd.
Floyd
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 6:58 pm
Thanks, Lisa. You definitely use your gifts to share and touch the hearts of others. I’m blown away how each act of the gifts God has given is so unique. Your gift to lift up the next generation, even beyond your girls is encouraging to me.
Oh, and I’m also jealous of how fast you read… That’s not one of my gifts though…
Hazel Moon
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 5:25 pm
Using the tools that God has given to us is important. Be they a hammer or a saw to earn a living, or a voice to encourage others, or a pen or keyboard to also encourge and challenge. Sometimes just making people laugh and to be happy is a tool. Thank you for sharing this excellent post at “Tell Me a Story.”
Floyd
Monday, October 1, 2012 @ 6:59 pm
Thanks, Hazel. Your tools have been a blessing to countless people including me. I thank you for sharing your with me and all of us who benefit from the gifts our Father gave you.
Audra Krell
Tuesday, October 2, 2012 @ 12:59 pm
My best tool is my compassion for others. I can see so easily into other people’s pain that it debilitates me at times. But God has given me compassion out of His sweet compassion for me, and I intend to use it forever.
Floyd
Tuesday, October 2, 2012 @ 7:38 pm
I can vouch for you, Audra. Your heart is beyond kind. Makes those around you a little better too…
Diane
Tuesday, October 2, 2012 @ 5:07 pm
My Dad actually made your brother a little wood trophy case for his hammer when he turned 38 or 40 or something like that, this reminded me of that … did you ever see it? I wonder where that is…. We should all be aware of our “Tools” so we can clean them up periodically
and keep the blades sharpened!
Floyd
Tuesday, October 2, 2012 @ 7:39 pm
I haven’t seen it, but that is really cool. Those sharp tools get the job done quicker! Thanks, Diane.
Audra Krell
Tuesday, October 2, 2012 @ 7:42 pm
When I’m not being a tool that is….LOL! Seriously, thank you for your kindness Floyd!
Floyd
Wednesday, October 3, 2012 @ 7:06 am
Just acknowledging truth, Audra. You’re too funny…
Crystal Mary Lindsey
Tuesday, October 2, 2012 @ 8:32 pm
Hello Chippy (Australian for carpenter) yours is a gift… precious and to be treasured. My tools of the trade are, like you, my hands. I pray I use them wisely to serve and care for others.
Floyd
Wednesday, October 3, 2012 @ 7:08 am
That should be the prayer of all of us. The heart for others is the best gift… Paul confirmed it. Chippy… I like it! Thanks!
Joanne Norton
Wednesday, October 3, 2012 @ 3:23 pm
I’m blessed b/c my husband is a “tool” guy and just loves them and does a darn good job… with almost anything from painting, dry-walling, electric “stuff”, plumbing, and on and on. And that’s just his side part of life.
ME? TOOLS? Nothing real. I can rarely get my coordination to work through OK. I have the ideas, and the vision, but lack the ability to put it in place.
NOW.. my real tools? Spiritual warfare. Being with people in the right place, right time, to help gain victory for the Lord. And, now, instead of the walking, driving, flying, going, doing, aspect of that “tool”, it’s sharing online, messaging on FB, writing articles/stories that might open hearts. So, until I die and go to heaven, spiritual tools will be my everyday life. Hopefully, it will make solid foundations for those behind me…. and bright, beautiful colorful “walls” to attract and keep their attention. A good thing.
Good sharing, Floyd. Sorry about your hand(s). Sounds like what my dad did. OUCH!!
Floyd
Wednesday, October 3, 2012 @ 5:43 pm
I appreciate the tools God gifted you with and how you use them. The spiritual tools leave a far more lasting impact and legacy in this life than the physical tools. Thanks for using your tools here, Joanne and in the lives of all the families you’ve adopted… They are appreciated and welcomed here anytime.
Anne
Thursday, October 4, 2012 @ 1:11 am
I hope that with the tools we’ve been given, we build more than we tear down.
Floyd
Thursday, October 4, 2012 @ 6:44 pm
Amen, Anne. We have all been given such wonderful gifts to build up the ones God has chosen for us. We just have to be aware of it. Thanks for stopping by!
Nancy
Friday, October 5, 2012 @ 8:51 pm
Building up or tearing down. Those are words I queried my kids with when they got into it with each other. Words are great tools, and depending on how they are used, convey hope, joy, peace and love. Otherwise, they can do unbridled damage. The bible says these types of words are like wounds that go down to the innermost parts of the belly.
Words are probably my best tool these days. Intercession, as well as the interaction with people are both done with my words.
Beyond that, I absolutely love good tools. I have various hammers, screw drivers ( power ones too) and lots of other tools ( all mine) placed in strategic areas around my home. I don’t want to spend needless time and energy doing something. My sewing machine is well used and all my office equipment is primo. I can service most of these myself. If I can have useful gadgets, I incorporate those too…
Oh…and did I mention I like knives? I always carry my little bent-blade KA-BAR…LOL If I could conceal-carry, I’d pak another one of my favorite “tools” too…..
Floyd
Saturday, October 6, 2012 @ 11:53 am
You’re too funny! If you lived in Arizona, you could carry a concealed switchblade. I know you’d love that! Words are so much more powerful than I ever grasped when I was younger… I’m figuring it out. I’d rather build up than tear down… Thanks for using your gifts of words to build up, Nancy. It is a blessing indeed.