The first line of a form letter set the stage. Words include notice, safety, and requirements. A second line word caught my attention even before I wandered, defect. The third got to the point. The acorn stud at the brake reaction link may fall out during use. Despite reading the rest of the letter several times, I am still not sure I know what the letter says other than I may have a problem. I have enough meaning to know what I need to do next, but I know that I do not know what the problem is or how it will be fixed.
This is not the first time I have been told something only to realize that I really do not know what the meaning is. At times, it does not really matter. I do not really understand all the ways I can use my lathe. I do know that I enjoy learning, growing, and working with the lathe. Understanding is a great part of the process! I also know that I have much more to learn about much in my life. Relationships, the Harley sitting in the garage and even the nuances of how to experience a sauna quickly come to mind. There many other things that could be included – from God to myself, from music to art, from business to how I relate with my communities.
I am not the first one to accept an idea while wanting to learn more. In one case, Paul and Silas “went on to spell out in detail the story of the Master—the entire family got in on this part. They never did get to bed that night. The jailer made them feel at home, dressed their wounds, and then—he couldn’t wait till morning!—was baptized, he and everyone in his family.” (Acts 16.32, 33)
The jailer’s approach is an adaptable model. Learn from those wiser, embrace relationships and community, and step forward with an attitude of learning more. Being smart is never a matter of knowing all; it is of learning and action.
