New Tools for Your Tool Belt

Last updated on: November 24, 2023 at 7:10 pm by Faith E. Richardson

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New Tools for Your Tool Belt 2023-11-24T19:10:52-07:00 Faith E. Richardson

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Man with Tool Belt

New Tools for Your Tool Belt. Jimmy Liao/Pixels.com

Here I am again back in the same classroom, learning the same lessons. Really? Didn’t I pass with flying colors last time? As I look around, I notice these are new classmates, but everything else seems to be the same.

The assignments are being discussed when I see the canvas already laid out and I think to myself, maybe this is the final exam, maybe this is a test to see if I can actually use the tools I was given to complete this class project. So, with Pride and Arrogance at my workstation, we pull out all the old tools in my tool belt and begin a new masterpiece.

At first, the other classmates gather around admiring my work, cheering me on to new heights. But out of the corner of my eye, I notice that Fear and Doubt have gathered at the opposite end of the classroom with their arms crossed, shaking their heads. Soon Disappointment joins them. Chaos and Confusion start a rally and I’m taken aback. Have you seen my new work? Have you looked at it? Why would anyone be in an uproar about this amazing work of art?

Arrogance removes her glasses and nervously chews on the earpiece. Pride sheepishly steps behind me, and I got a clear look at my canvas. There are tiny holes in it I hadn’t noticed before. There are bigger holes beginning to form and the colors I am using are fading so fast that I can hardly make out the intention and integrity of the original design. I was confused. I was doing everything right! I listened to and learned this assignment once before so why is this happening to me? Why are these tools not holding up their end of the bargain?

I want to run. Get away from pointing fingers and chastising comments. Panic circles my canvas and I stand and watch as my new creation crumbles to the floor. Humiliation guides me to a nearby chair and I am encouraged by Sadness and Sorrow. I placed my head in my hands and sob on Self-Pity’s shoulder.

Then, without missing a beat, Professor Truth slides into the chair next to me. He doesn’t have to say a word, but I know He’s not giving me a fail; He’s giving me a save. He points in the direction of my workstation and for the first time, I notice a shiny new toolbox neatly placed in the center of the table. With Pride and Arrogance at my station, I hadn’t noticed it before. I walk over and open it, spilling the contents onto the table. I stand in awe as I realize this is a brand-new set of tools designed especially for this moment. For this assignment.

Friends gather again around my workstation admiring the new tools. Encouragement and Honor help me load my tool belt. I clean up the mess of my last attempt at self-completion and wonder if it would in fact be the last…

With a wink from Professor Truth, I know I will be given a new canvas soon. I securely fasten my tool belt and leave as the end-of-the-day bell rings for dismissal. Stopping only once at the glass doors to admire my shiny new tools in the reflection.

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About Faith E. Richardson

Faith E. Richardson was born in Traverse City, Michigan. She lived there nine short years before moving with her mom to Fort Worth, Texas where she would remain for another eighteen years. After meeting Trent, the love of her life, they married and moved to Colorado where they raised their two children. Currently retired from decades of human resource work, Faith renewed her passion for writing. Her life experiences and dramatic flair for storytelling draw the reader in with thought-provoking material on the wonder and truth of spiritual encounters. It's her desire to get her readers as excited about the Holy Spirit as she is. Author: Faith has written Eva Says You’re My Dad-a true story of finding her biological father, A Reflection of Me-A Collection of original poems and has more than 1000 unpublished poems waiting their turn. She is a two-time Editor’s Choice Award winning poet and is published in Poetry’s Elite, The Best Poets of 2000 and The Best Poems & Poets of 2001 through Poetry.com. She has written biblical monologues, co- authored and directed a Children’s musical, “Jesus is Your Power Aid”, written inspirational short stories, and is the author of the blog, FaithFraze which includes metaphorical short stories. She has been published in newspapers, newsletters, and magazines. Faith continues to grow her list of publications by entering into weekly and monthly contests and by continuing to write as much as God will allow. Inspirational Speaker: Faith loves to share her experiences with others. It is her desire to come alongside those who need words of encouragement, want to learn American Sign Language (ASL), or those who want guidance in writing poetry. She has been a guest speaker in Canyon City, Colorado, Pagosa Springs, Colorado, and Fort Worth, Texas. She has spoken for events in churches, and classrooms. The materials she speaks on include faith based themes, writing, and ASL. Faith’s ability to write and memorize dramatic monologues and her love of ASL often give her presentations a unique twist. You can read more about the author here.

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