It’s Not That Simple
Well, sometimes it is. We are an educated society. We consider ourselves to be clever, adept problem solvers who regularly think “outside of the box” to come up with novel solutions. We tend to be analytical, to engage in effusive research utilizing all of the tools available to us these days on the internet. We also want to consider all potential hazards and pitfalls. How do I know this? I’m exactly like that myself. I read your emails and I know how most of you think from what you write.
When I have identified a particular issue or challenge and I’m trying to come up with some fancy new widget which will magically solve my newest problem, there is a pattern which occurs almost every time. I chronically overthink it. Sooner or later I will remember to remind myself to break it down to the simplest possible configuration as a starting point. I usually tend to want to start five or six steps down the evolutionary chain after having considered every possible variation in the universe. Eventually, I actually have to get started and the best place to begin is with the simplest possible configuration. Once I have a tangible working device, then I can figure out what needs to be improved, lengthened, shortened beefed up or slimmed down. The process goes much faster when I can actually see it in front of me.
Remember that journey of 10,000 steps? If you never take the first step, the journey never actually begins. As a woodturner, we can do preparation, but the rubber meets the road when we mount our piece in the lathe and begin to cut something out of it. Unless you have made this type of item many times before, you will be making many adjustments along the way. So the sooner you get started, the farther along you will be tomorrow.
If you have a friend who has shown an interest in learning to turn wood, the simple first step is to invite them either to a club turning meeting or over to your shop so you can make some shavings. It works the same way when you invite someone to church. You don’t beat them over the head with a Bible. You just invite them to come and visit. You might even offer to pick them up and give them a ride. How about lunch afterward to talk about the meeting?
Sometimes it really is that simple, because wherever you go, there you are.
Here is my inspiration for this week’s message:
Matthew 11:30 KJV
For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Acts 15:28 KJV
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things;