"If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail." Abraham Maslow

This is an interesting concept when we realize our experiences and problems can only be viewed fully thru our own eyes, with our own experiences and world views. How often do we see a problem that a friend might see as an opportunity? How often do we feel trapped and a bystander might suggest an obvious course of action that we did not see.

Many have heard the old story about a truck that got stuck in the mouth of a tunnel. With dozens of engineers and specialist attempting to find solutions, a young girl asked, "Why don't they just let the air out of the tires?"

One of the reasons I believe continuing our educations and personal growth is of such value is the need for a variety of tools to accomplish any task. If the whole sum of my conflict resolution skills are approached as a hammer to a nail, how often will that be an effective action? Any idea what percentage of life's issues actually require a hammer or even a saw? It doesn't matter what the conflict or issue might be; one tool does not fix all.

A tool box, well stocked and organized is a start to effective resolution. The other issue is the skill of the workman. Without skills and experience using these tools, one might confuse the purpose of a specific tool. Sure, one might use a hammer to beat off a piece of wood that needed to be removed, but how much easier might a saw do that job, and how much nicer will the end product be if the saw was employed skillfully?

The development of experience and skill takes both time and commitment to serve that purpose. Neither come over night or without mistake. But, the goal is best measured by any visible participation in that process. One can not get across town, sitting in front of the TV.

"Show me a person who has never made a mistake and I'll show you somebody who has never achieved much." Joan Collins

Might we consider an education that goes far beyond grade school drill, and allow ourselves the grace to make a few mistakes while learning and growing as adults. I hope to get more tools, replace some old tools and learn how to better use all of them until I am done with this body; then hoping that many might be passed along to bless the next artisan facing similar tasks and issues in life.

Be blessed and remember, "The wise don't expect to find life worth living; they make it that way." ~Anonymous