You can do things the hard way, or you can find an easier way to get things done.

There are many reasons to do things the hard way. They say it builds character. They say if you do things the hard way you learn to do it the right way.

There is some merit to these answers, but sometimes the hard way is just a deterrent to do the thing at all.

In my life I’ve found that doing things the hard way also means doing things without the proper resources or know-how. 

For most of my life, when I needed to make or repair something, I looked at the tools I had available and tried to figure it out on my own from there.

Most of the time I got the job done, but it definitely involved doing things the hard way.

Not having the right equipment or know-how never stopped me from starting projects, but it did keep me from completing them.

A long time ago we wanted to finish our basement at home. My plan was to frame some rooms.

But when I got to a part that I was not sure how to complete, or what tools would allow me to do it, I put it off … and off.

Finally Lily found a handyman and asked him to finish off the parts of the basement that I had left.  

That was years ago. Now I’ve figured out that having the right tools and the right know-how make things easier.

You don’t have to do everything the hard way.

The other day Lil wanted a couple of shelves added to a wall cabinet. I was unsure of my know-how and whether I had the right tools for the job, so I turned to the great wisdom of the internet. 

I had an idea of the kind of shelves I wanted – the kind where you put little pegs in the wall or the cabinet and then place the shelf on top of them. They are neat and in the end there’s no visible hardware. 

On YouTube I found a guy who demonstrated how to get the four holes in perfect alignment for the pegs. He used a peg board as a guide. 

At the hardware store, the service guy thought it was genius. He also suggested I get the store to cut my shelves for me on their table saw. 

The amazing thing was I never had to cut a piece of wood myself, and I never had to use a measuring tape for the holes. I simply picked which holes I wanted to use on my peg board, and set and marked a depth line on my drill. 

I did it the easy way. It took no time to build those shelves. I never forced anything or had to make do. I used the right tool for the job and only paid fifty cents a cut for the tool I didn’t have. 

The shelves? – Perfection!

Here’s the thing: Unless you are reading God’s word, you won’t know much of what God wants you to do, and unless you are seeking His help, you don’t have the right tools to accomplish what He wants you to do. You can do things the hard way, or you can get into your Bible so you understand God’s methods. Then ask God to give you the right tools to accomplish His will. 

That’s Life!

Paul

Question: What are you trying to do the hard way right now? Leave your comments below.