📦 TREE 347: Your tools don’t own you
One.
In around AD 55, Saint Paul wrote a list of seven spiritual gifts in his letter to Christians in Rome. In the 20th century, that list was turned into seven personality types complete with tests to help you discover your spiritual gift. When I did a test as a teenager I was a Prophet. When I did it in my thirties, I was a Servant. A few years after that, someone told me I was definitely a Mercy.
When I take a Meyers Briggs test, I come out with all the letters.
Enneagram? Every number roughly the same.
I’ve never read a horoscope that related meaningfully to my life. (I’m waiting for someone to reply, “Jeff, that’s such a scorpio thing to write!”)
None of these frameworks give me meaningful insight into my life. Instead of freeing me to be myself, they box me into categories where I don’t fit. So I ignore them, which is totally fine to do because – fans of these frameworks, look away now – not one of them is based on hard science, not even Meyers Briggs.
Spiritual gifts, Meyers Briggs, Enneagram, astrology – they are tools that help millions of people. If they help you, use them. If they don’t help you, don’t. No tool works for everyone.
Tools are things you use to get stuff done. They aren’t meant to be sacred objects of worship that define your life. Use your tools. Don’t be owned by them.
Two.
We don’t know what’s going on here, but the bird is taking it seriously.
Three.
Imagine you’re in a cool city, late at night. You’re driving one of those retro luxury cars they only sell in Japan. This is playing on your stereo.
Grow slowly
Jeff
Unusual morning has brought me here later than usual.
Toolbox. I have one and need a hammer, screwdriver, wrench once in awhile. I keep these tools in a box. I keep psychological tools in a box, too. I am out of the box by choice no matter what test I take. I'm a teacher, a leader, an introvert by all the test results. I prefer to expand myself by doing things well to enjoy my brief life. I am intentional and hope my life enriches others. I have had some brilliant teachers in my life that loved me through empty nest, and a garden variety of trials. I rest on these three tools, love, peace and joy. I use them daily and will continue. I used love to listen to two friends this morning over a long zoom meeting. I knew it was taking my time here away which is my routine. I also knew it was important to use the love tool, too It wasn't convenient at all as the animals needed feeding, in fact, I hadn't eaten. But I have a very good feeling of being in my lane, helping when I can and enjoying the interruptive way life gets my attention. I have a belief system that serves me. It's a trust in there's always a way through the seeming problems. There's only solutions. No boxes or labels for me, thank you. Take the lid off! I'm curious about your tools. What's in your toolboxes?