One of the most memorable childhood lessons from my dad was, “Don’t force it!”

He was a great self-taught handyman and mechanic. We had a succession of old VWs that required constant fixing. Sometimes, he’d ask for my “help.” I would join in and learn a little bit about what it meant to fix something.

I was not always the best at choosing the correct bolt to fit the need. Sometimes I’d choose one that was close, but not exact. I’d screw it forcefully and nothing would happen. If I were a cursing lad (and if my dad allowed it), I would have uttered a few choice exclamations.

He would find me in that state and calmly say, “Son, don’t force it.” Then he would find the correct bolt, and in it would go – with little effort.

Life is a lot like that.

When we’re faced with hard situations, we love to push things forward as forcefully as possible, trying to get to a solution that satisfies us. But sometimes our efforts just do not help.

Let’s follow the example of Paul in the Bible (Philippians 4): “I have learned how to be content with whatever I have … I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Applying Paul’s thinking about being content is something I’ve been working on my whole life and am still learning. He likely wrote that toward the end of his life… he probably wouldn’t have said that when he was a boy!

+++

My wife and I don’t have any VWs. Nothing against Volkswagen – I’m sure their quality has improved since then.

+++

Paul Merrill writes here every first Friday.