Ken’s e-Pistle

March 22, 2023

I have come to the conclusion that Lent is a time of seeing possibilities in ourselves and others.  I came to this awareness when I was looking for a flat-head screwdriver the other day.  Let me hasten to add that I am an avid collector of tools.  I’m not much good at using them, but I have a bunch of them so that those who know how to use them around my house will have them available.  Need a drill with an assortment of bits?  I’ve got you covered.  How about a circular saw?  No problem.  A power impact wrench?  Just give me a second to look over there…

Of course, when I need something it is nowhere to be found.  So the Lord revealed to me that proper substitutes abide in the tool world as well as in human associations.  Need a screwdriver?  No need to spend ten minutes in the garage looking. Screwdrivers abound!  Fingernails, a dime, nickel or quarter.  You really can’t beat the combination of a butter knife and a nail file.  Sometimes, even a fork will do, though forks should be reserved for mixing paint.

Need a lightweight saw?  That’s what serrated breadknives are for.  Emery boards are great for sanding; cheese graters for the bigger jobs. Blades for safety razors are great for removing paint splatters and they can usually be found in the bathroom.  Good thing, since that is where the band-aids are usually kept.

As in the tool world, so in the human world.  Sometimes the person you need is right near to you.  We all have gifts and abilities which are often unknown to others, perhaps even ourselves.  Recognizing this fact keeps us from taking each other for granted.

Ask an unexpected person to help you solve a problem this week.  You might be surprised and even delighted with the outcome.  In fact, it may be that both of you are delighted.  God’s good that way!

I bid you peace!