Spiritual Tool Kit
When I was ten or eleven years old, I got a set of tools for Christmas. Or, I should say, I got a tool experience. I got a card or something like that under the tree that indicated the gift to come. And, then, the following day, my grandfather took me down to Sears in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where together we picked out a pretty basic set of tools. We started with a box that’s in my garage here in Jackson as I sit in my office writing this. There was a hammer, of course. Two different sizes of pliers. A set of four or five different screwdrivers. I also got a small ratchet set with 10 or 12 different size sockets. We wandered the several aisles of Craftsman tools while my grandfather picked up a few and talked to me about their different uses. In that box in my garage, I still have some of them amongst the plethora of tools I’ve added over the course of 30ish years since. I suppose each of our households probably has a similar set of tools varying to the degrees of our handiness. But that basic set is important.
I believe each of us needs a “spiritual tool kit,” as well. Maybe our affiliation with church as a child or young adult gave us that basic set. And, as we’ve navigated through life’s ups and downs, ins and outs, flats and steeps we’ve assembled a plethora of practices and disciplines and experiences and rituals that keep our lives “up and running!” That’s a good thing!
And (not but! And!) I think it’s a good idea from time to time to take inventory. To see just what we have in that spiritual toolbox. I believe it’s important for us to take notice of what’s gotten “rusty” and needs oiling and care. I also believe taking this inventory together in a group can be superbly beneficial, giving us the opportunity to see the tools that our brothers and sisters use to keep their own lives maintained. We’ll have just that chance together. On February 17th from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., my friend, Pittman McGehee, and I will be talking about just what we believe ought to be in our spiritual toolboxes in order to care comprehensively for our souls. I hope you will consider spending that time with Pittman and me. I hope on that day you might find a tool you’re not yet using or see one that could be implemented but has become rusty. My hope is that a well-maintained spiritual life leads to a life of flourishing.
Love,
Jimmy
