If the ax is dull and its edge unsharpened, more strength is needed, but skill will bring success.*
What can I get from this that isn’t already clear? Dull blade, harder work. Duh . . .
Then again, two truths are given here. The first about the tool, the second about how the tool is used. It’s the right use of both that will bring success.
Dull tools are a problem, but my bigger problem is the dull mind. I don’t doubt there are all manner of things I work harder at rather than smarter.
The word “hone” hits home. Hone the ax, hone the mind; the rest will fall into place.
I paint. There have been moments, not many, when someone will say, “Let me see your hands . . . I want to know what an artist’s hands look like.” What follows is rather a blank look. Better to ask to see a pianist’s hands. For a painter, they can be just arthritic stumps you can tape a brush to.** When you’re learning to paint, it’s not the hands you’re training, it’s the mind. Every time.
And it’s so with just about everything else.
Even with the ax . . . it’s a very dull mind that won’t soon see what the problem really is.
So, sharpen, sharpen, sharpen.
“But no,” says the ax, “it hurts. You’re changing my shape. I like being dull. Get away with that rasping tool.”
“No,” says the mind. “I like the way I am . . . the way I’ve always done things. My opinions don’t need scrutiny. I like my life being small . . . broke . . . limited . . . or fill in the blank.”
Any success in any thing implies a certain discipline. A sharpening. A hurtful/helpful grinding.
It’s your greatest tool, your mind.
Hone it.
It’ll give you the edge you need.
________________
* Ecclesiastes 10:10
** Such was the case with the aging Renoir.
Next: The Fool’s Cool. Coming Thursday.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
9:03 am
That is great. I agree, now if I will only do it. It is good to be reminded that it is never to late for growth.
9:16 am
Well said, Hyatt. Thank you. Proverbs 27:17 “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.
9:37 am
It’s interesting how the folks who have been the best listeners/responders when I’ve been in a pinch or in a place of loss, are those who’ve been “honed” by life themselves. The best counselors are the ones who have seasons of suffering in their resume’s. The sharpening process brings me out of my complacency and makes me a more fulfilled person. One thing that puzzles me is how the church’s first response to difficulty is to have God take it away. Now, I think it’s appropriate to press up against him for comfort and relief, but how many of us first ask, “God, show me how you might be using this to make me more Christlike?” vs. seeking immediate resolve. We might all become a bit sharper if we allow life’s surprises to have their perfect work.
11:06 am
Well said, thank you for saying it. Life ‘aint no bake sale and suffering well isn’t something churchianity commends. Pain is the price of perspective and the springboard to compassion though, just can’t get any wiser without it. The hurting inherit.
8:24 pm
Loved your contributions again, Norm! I am doing a Beth Moore study currently and she talks about having trials and difficulties that we will to go through——-to be honed based on the Word of course. She actually asks God to bring them on! She believes in His promises that He will hone us and bring us through them a better person, a true “persevering person” and in the end closer to the Lord! We can see this by reading all about Paul in the New Testament! He should have died so many times but the Lord brought him through every time and it appears that he lived a long life! :) Thank you again too Hyatt! Perfectly said! My other aspirations are to be content in any and all situations, like Paul said! I almost feel that, under fire in the last 4 years, I am actually getting some of this contentment actually occurring in my heart now! I am so thankful!!!!!!!!!!! Lisa
10:17 am
Hyatt: I am a physical therapist. Have been for almost 35 years. In my work, the hands are everything. Good physical therapists have a gift in their hands, if they will only realize it. The power of touch is indeed powerful. My hands were my dad’s favorite feature on me.
10:23 am
Joe, Thanks. When I was writing this I was trying to think of another occupation where the hands ARE the brains. Great contribution. Here’s one to you from Moses: Psalm 90:17.
7:48 am
Thanks, Hyatt. Once again, a timely message for me–my blade is dull and my hands are callouse and my feet are sore–time to SHARPEN!! SUCH a good word!!
9:19 am
Excellent Hyatt! My current honing challenge is to realize Christ as my life – mind included. Paul seems to say this is life in the spirit versus the flesh – finishing 1 Cor 2 with we have the “mind of Christ”. I often pray for Isa 55 – I want your thoughts..I want your ways. What a beautiful exchange, ours for His!