I’m getting ready for my last week as a fence builder. It’s what I’ve done for 10 years. I like to think I’m outstanding in my field, or whoever’s field I happen to be working in!
As I prepare to end this season of my life for the next- The World Race- I’ve thought about some of the skills or perspectives that I’ve gained from fencing that will serve me on the mission field. So here goes:
1. If it’s cutting hard it probably needs sharpening.
There are times when my chainsaw isn’t doing its job, namely cutting the post, and I drop it in frustration. Usually if I give it a minute I realize that it probably just needs the chain sharpened and when I do it works like a charm. Some days I’m not broke, I just need sharpening.
2. Sometimes Crimping tools just need a little WD-40
“Work smarter not harder”. If the crimping tool is hard to work maybe it just needs a little WD to loosen it up. Trust me it makes a world of difference.
3. Just because you can’t see how it looks from your vantage point, it doesn’t mean its not straight
From the vantage point of inside the skid steer it can often look like the person working the pounder isn’t putting them in straight. But sometimes you need the pounder crooked in order to get the post straight.
When life seems off kilter trust the One who is at the head, sometimes it needs to look crooked to end up straight.
4. If the four-wheeler doesn’t have gas it’s going nowhere
If I don’t make sure I am refueling myself I’m going to stop/wear out, at some point and it might be in the middle of something important.
5. Before you cut and splice a twist step back and make sure it’s twisted
Things are not always as they seem and before you “fix it” step back and assess the situation. Instead of a cut and splice it may just need a shake to set it right.
