Do you know how many different types of hammer there are? A quick Google search will show that there are a plethora of hammers depending on the job. No wonder, when my Dad would send me for a hammer, I would drag my heals in bringing him one back Does he need the claw hammer? The sledge hammer? The ball peen hammer? We're not roofing, so that rules out the roofing hammer. Or would he want a mallet? Perhaps the tack hammer?
When I was in college, I had a professor that taught my very first computer science class. She had a favorite saying during that first semester. She told us that first day, "I'm going to give you a new tool for your toolbox." I remember rolling my eyes at her statement. As the semester progressed and we would learn new programming technique after technique, she would say "Another tool for the toolbox."
This professor became my academic advisor (one of the best choices I made in college). When I would complain about general education requirements (who needs Theatre Appreciation, anyway?), she would gently smile and say "It's just another tool for the toolbox."
As a grown man, I've come to appreciate the many tools I've added to my toolbox over the years. All those general education classes that I considered a waste of time are now a great help to me. While I am ministering to people, I can rely on this knowledge to build conversations that help me get to know people and their needs better.
Over the years, I hope that I've helped people add a tool or two to their own personal toolbox. I've adopted a saying of my own. I make this statement quite a bit: "If the only tool you have in your toolbox is a hammer, every thing begins to look like a nail."
Just as a hammer isn't the right tool for every job, we need to be able to use a variety of tools in dealing with the situations around us. Whether someone is hurting emotionally or physically, whether someone needs scolding or encouraging, we must learn to use the right tool for the job. Too many times, we rely on one tool over and over again because we never take time to add any tools to our toolbox, or we have yet to realize the need for more tools to begin with.
In our Christian school, we have 26 students. Each of those students are unique. Many of them have siblings in the school, but I cannot deal with them each the same way--even if they are siblings. One student requires a bit of encouragement. Another requires a bit of a heavy hand to remind them that there are rules to be followed. One student needs a friendly smile from time to time. There's one student that only needs a verbal reminder to behave. We need a variety of tools to successfully build and shape these young lives. Could you imagine building a house with only a hammer?
Do you rely on the same tool over and over again? Are you not getting the results out of your relationships that you desire? Perhaps you need to take a time out and develop some new tools for your tool box.
