In high school I had a shop class focused on motors and engines. Not only did we learn how different kinds of motors worked, we learned different tools necessary for fixing them. Most of us in the class weren't mechanic material so we had a lot to learn.
One day, we had the assignment of simply cutting a pipe with a hacksaw. In fact, we had a little contest to see who cut their pipe the fastest. Guys, grabbed a hacksaw and went to blazing. Now mind you, most of the students in the class had never used a hacksaw. Most were working furiously to show the teacher how good (and muscular) they were.
After a few minutes of watching his incompetent students, our teacher stopped us. He explained how a hacksaw worked. Some of the guys had actually ruined their blades because of their violent attack on the pipe. Allowing the saw to due the work, he cut through the pipe in a couple minutes without breaking a sweat. We all stood aghast thinking, "that was easy." Once we all got the hang of it, we all could cut through the pipe easily.
I've thought a lot about that lesson in life in more recent years. It seems that many times I've attacked an issue or situation or my job much the same way we attacked those pipes with our hacksaws, with all out fury and wasted energy. I've increased my blood pressure (and others'), encountered tons of frustration (and created plenty for others), and worn myself out (and others) trying to accomplish something with brute strength.
Solomon says, "Hey you moron, sharpen the ax and use the right technique." As my energy has waned and my strength been sapped, I've finally come to the conclusion that I need to approach life and problems differently. Getting through the pipes of life would be a whole easier if I would simply deepen my connection with God and seek His wisdom and then apply His technique.
God, I really need your wisdom. I've tried to do things in my own strength, energy and ingenuity through the years and worn out a whole bunch of people including myself. I want to embrace you more, listen more, spend time with you more so that I can gain your wisdom and apply your wisdom to life, relationships, job, ministry, and family.
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