Tools

A few months ago Connie and I had the opportunity to spend some quality windshield time together on our way to Lubbock for a great Texas Tech football game. During this time we discussed many things about our lives and what we wanted to pass on to our son. We talked about our own raisings and what lessons we had learned. We thought about how each of our parents had given (if that is the right word) us our "life skills" the "tools" that we use each day to make it through our lives.

I prefer to use the word "tool" because if you think about what a tool is, a tool can be defined in so many ways, it is basically (my definition) something that allows you to complete or achieve a specific task or goal. Whether it is to fix something or create something you must have "tools". I am not going to get into the anthropological aspects of tools, but basically (besides some specific rudimentary primate examples) the extent to which we can identify, create and utilize tools is what differentiates us from all the other creatures on this planet.

But tools are not just external objects that make tasks easier. Tools are much more than that. They are also the "skills" we posses. Our ability to communicate and comprehend, our ability to problem solve or break down the most basic elements of the universe, our ability to gather information and make sound decisions… the list goes on and on, all of these are tools.

So where do we get our tools. The bottom line, the dear Lord above, or as I like to refer to him the "Master Toolsmith". First, He gives us a truly unique body with some set physiological characteristics (our genetic ability). But then he gives us the ability to go beyond our physical or genetic limits (or at least our own perceived limits - another topic entitled "Perception is reality?"). He gives us the most powerful "tool" of all - a BRAIN. He also gives us something else - parents. And here is where the Master Toolsmith turns the work over to someone else.

Ok, so now back to our discussion on our way from Waco to Lubbock for the Tech game. Connie and I discussed the concept of a "tool box" and how we all had a set of "tools" that we use to get through life and how we are now charged with filling our son's "tool box" with the most basic but most important "tools" that he will need to make it through life. This was HUGE! I had never really looked at it that way. It makes it simple and complex all at the same time.

I thought to myself - "wow, how cool is that - I can actually get him a tool box and then fill it with tools. Every time we teach him something we can relate it back to a tool and then put that tool in his box…" But then I realized a very important question needed to be answered… "What tools do we put in his box?"

I have numerous friends that have proceeded down the parent road many years ago and I have watched them make decisions and raise their children. I am not questioning any of their parenting skills but sitting here today I wonder if any of them sat down and thought about that question. What skills do I really want to pass along to my child? I think many of them end up just "surviving" and the tools that they pass along are just those that they are using to "survive" and while some maybe good, "survival tools" are often less effective and can sometimes be harmful.

So back to that important question: "What are the tools to put into our son's tool box?" Well this morning during my morning daily devotional the Lord opened my eyes. Where better to get the list of tools than the Master Toolsmith's instruction manual. When I opened my bible this morning I turned to Proverbs 3. In the words of my favorite passage of the bible I found the first tool to add - His teachings. Proverbs 3 talks about wisdom - how to gain it and the benefits of getting it. Many would argue that wisdom is something you are born with or it is something that only comes with age. While there might be some truth in both but I choose to believe that wisdom comes from our ability to observe our environment, make conclusions about relationships (not necessarily between humans but how all things created by God "relate" to one another and the rest of the environment) and apply them to our lives (more accurately to our behavior or the way we live our lives).

So it is our job as our son's parents to maximize his opportunities to "observe" God's creation - this spectacular world.

Little one,

I cannot wait to experience this world with you. I want to walk through life with you to help you and guide you but also allow you to "experience" the world on your own. I will always be here for you - so when you are "experiencing" the world you will know you have some place safe to go if you need it. Well I need to go but I love you and can't wait to hold you in my arms.

Love,
Dad