“We know that God is always at work for the good of everyone who loves him. They are the ones God has chosen for his purpose,” -- Romans 8:28
Three tools – a hand saw, a hammer, and a chisel hung proudly in the shopkeeper’s store. Each dreamed of being used for an epic purpose – an ornate treasure chest filled with gold coins and precious gems perhaps. Or maybe a colossal ship to carry kings and queens to all corners of the world. Possibly they would help construct a majestic building – something ornate and timeless.
They prayed for all their wishes to come true – or even just for one of them. But as time went on, their dreams dulled like their own finishes. What an indignity! They were old now and mostly forgotten. When craftsman visited the shop, they always chose more modern, fancier tools of finer materials.
One day an elderly woodworker came in and bought all three. When asked about the nature of his work, the old timer said he was building nothing special, just a small fishing boat.
They were heartbroken. This would certainly be no luxury yacht to ferry nobility. Their grandiose dreams were fading away now.
He took the tools home. His shop, like him, was an antique. So small, such clutter! As he painstakingly cleaned and sharpened the tools, their dreams officially ended.
They were, however, impressed by his skills. He had immense patience and an ‘eye’ for the most minute details. When finished, the boat was small but finely assembled with precise joinery and a sturdy frame.
From then on they would build small furniture pieces and forget about the fishing boat . . . and their dreams of notoriety.
Years later a group of men went fishing in that same small boat. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out at sea, a huge storm arose - no match for the small craft.
The men woke the sleeping man. When He stood and declared “Peace!” the storm ended suddenly. Not amazing really, for the small boat had carried important passengers . . . and the King of Kings!
When things don't seem to go your way, remember that God has a plan for you. All the tools got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. He has given each of us special gifts. We don't always know what God's plans are for us. We just know that His ways are not our ways, but His ways are best.
“Holy Teacher, we are all “tools” in Your toolbox. Each of us has a purpose, a skill, and a task to perform. Teach us to better use the tools you gave us and to always use the right tool for the job. Help us grow in our faith through daily practice, because only “perfect practice makes perfect” - Amen
