Look Around

A quote I grew up with was “a poor craftsman blames his tools”. It puts an emphasis on the craftsman knowing what he can and can’t do with the tools he has. Another way to look at this is what plan the craftsman has utilizing the tools he has. Not whether he is using a screwdriver as a hammer, but rather if he has the necessary equipment for the job he is taking on.

Sometimes, it’s not about what’s in you, it’s about what’s around you.  If a tree is planted where the roots can’t grow, it won’t grow. If weeds take over the garden by taking the available nutrients, the flowers will be choked out. If you make the perfect recipe, but cook it at the wrong temperature, the food won’t cook or will burn.

We can get so caught up on self improvement and fueling our depression by comparing where we want to be with our reality. But sometimes, when we feel like we aren’t good enough, we have to take inventory of what’s around us.

We have to understand, sometimes it isn’t what we’re made of, or something isn’t wrong with us. It’s the environment that surrounds us. Being surrounded by negativity, will cause you to be negative. Being stuck in a place where you can’t grow, will continue to make you feel small. Being in a place that works you too much or doesn’t appreciate you enough, will cause you to burn out.

The challenge here is to do something about it. Identify the source and prune that out if you can. We can’t control other people, but we can control our response to our surroundings. Bad relationships, a poor work situation, even a messy room, these are all areas to work on and can be changed. It won’t be easy, but God doesn’t ever want us to be afraid of necessary changes. He hasn’t left your side yet, and He won’t start now. So, my friends, look around. What is something you can change?

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid, and do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” -Joshua 1:9

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” -Isaiah 41:10

“How blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, nor stand in the path of sinners, nor sit in the seat of scoffers! But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law he meditates day and night. He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers.” Psalm 1-3

 

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