It’s confession time: I believe I can do anything. Sometimes this mindset benefits me, but at other times, it does not.
Years ago, when I owned an older house situated on a hill, I decided it was time to remove the small pine trees that crowded my front yard. While the privacy the trees provided was nice, looking out my front window at a growing forest was not appealing. Additionally, I was concerned that some unwanted critters might be hiding among the pines.
It was a cloudy Saturday morning when I rented a chainsaw from the local Rent-A-Tool down the road. I could tell the young man at the counter thought I was picking it up for my husband to use to chop down the trees. However, since I didn’t have a husband or any male relatives nearby, I put on my boots and overalls, armed with the chainsaw, and was ready to tackle the forest myself.
Now, you may ask, “Had you ever used a chainsaw before?” No, I had not. However, believing I could do anything, surely, I could operate a silly little chainsaw.
Since I was on a steep hill and the rain began to pour, I decided it would be safer to sit on the ground while cutting the pines. Eventually, I managed to clear the forest and cut the limbs without lopping off one of my own.
I returned to Rent-A-Tool by the end of the day, drenched, muddy, and with aching muscles in places I didn’t know existed. I handed the evil tool back to the same young man, and his eyes widened as he looked into mine. “Ma’am, did you use this chainsaw yourself?” he asked. A crowd of other renters began to stare at my horrific, dirty appearance.
I replied with a chuckle, “Yes, sir, I did! It was just another one of those dumb decisions I frequently make!”
The crowd laughed at the same moment my guardian angel submitted her retirement notice. I’ve had a number of these angels come and go, and I think God must assign a newcomer to my case each time. I can just imagine Him saying, “Angel #1,005, you are assigned your first test case. Her name is Lynn. Go down there but be careful—she has a penchant for chainsaws, rickety ladders, and climbing on roofs to clean gutters. You never know what she will try next, because that child never asks for help!”
Less than a year ago, my church invited me to serve as the Church Council secretary. Although I was a new member of the congregation, I felt honored to accept the role. After all, if I can write stories, columns, and books, how difficult could it be to take the minutes?
It was another chainsaw moment. As hard as I tried, I realized I was not the secretary my fine church needed. Now, if they needed a tree chopped down, I do have experience.
Sometimes we must admit we’re not cut out for every job. It may sting a little, but that’s often where growth begins.
I attribute some of my stubbornness and unyielding pride to my Appalachian roots.
Most of the women were strong and independent. Many were widows who plowed the fields and raised children on their own. I don’t know a single woman on my mother’s side of the family who wasn’t as stubborn as the mules they owned.
If you offered to help any of them, they most likely would shoo you away with the flyswatter.
For some of us, ‘I need help’ may be the hardest sentence in the English language.
My analysis now is that a “chainsaw moment” is the belief that I can succeed without proper training or support. Imagine if I had injured myself while cutting down trees with a tool I didn’t fully understand. How would I work, provide for my children, or handle basic chores? My refusal to seek help could have caused significant pain and hardship for both my family and me for months.
God created us to support one another as brothers and sisters. Our loving heavenly Father understood that we would often require assistance. Sometimes, our angels come in the form of friends and family who are eager to help.
God has given us individual talents and abilities to enhance our lives and those around us. That is how we serve Him.
Sometimes, our pride can cut the best of us. There’s no shame in putting the chainsaw down.
