The Right Tools (07/25/2024)

One day I mentioned to Melissa that I just can’t get my patio door glass clean. I have tried for 10 years, and every time I clean them, they look good at first and then the sun shines on them directly and they are full of streaks. She smiled and said she thought she could fix that. And so she came and brought her tools. It took her 10 minutes. That glass was so clean and clear that it almost looked like there wasn’t any. “How’d you do that?” I asked. She smiled and pointing to her bucket said, “You just need the right tools.”

Afterwards, as I stood enjoying my clear patio doors, I thought about Melissa’s answer. Truly the “right tools” can make a world of difference in so many instances. I wouldn’t want to make my pancakes without my favorite flipper. I wouldn’t want to tackle pot roast without my seasoned cast iron Dutch oven. I can’t imagine creating a special scrapbook without a great paper cutter and cropper.

As I continued to enjoy my clear patio doors, it dawned on me that the “right tools” are needed not just for physical tasks but are also necessary for my spiritual journey. We are blessed to have tools at our disposal for our journey. Thanks to Jesus’ teachings and actions, we can identify several essentials for our journey.

The first is a dynamic relationship with our LORD. This involves continuous prayer. As in any of our relationships, communication is essential. Through our prayer, we lift our voices in praise, we bring our failures and seek forgiveness, we offer our thanks for gifts and help received, and we unabashedly present our needs to our LORD. But it is more than that, it is knowing that the all-present LORD is by our side and acknowledging that presence.  

The second is immersion in the scriptures which open our minds and hearts to the LORD more fully and inspire us on our journey. I know that reading the gospels gave me a new understanding of what my relationship with the Father could be and should be. I know that reading the letters of Paul remind me of the challenges of discipleship as well as the rewards. When I read the prophets, I better understand the LORD’s law that can be summed up in loving the LORD and loving one another. The psalms help me by seeing into the prayers of others who also made this journey.

The third essential tool for my spiritual journey is companionship. Jesus sent the disciples out in twos. Companions on the journey not only keep us company but they can encourage us, support us, challenge us, join us. Most importantly, they love us.

Melissa not only cleaned my patio door, she renewed in me my desire to bring the “right tools” to my spiritual journey.

As we continue our journeys, let us make sure that we have the “right tools.” Let us take time for prayer including community prayer and for reading and pondering the scriptures. Let us open ourselves to companions along the way as well as to companioning others.

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.