Fatherās Day Tools are the perfect gift for Dad. But Father’s Day tools are also a way to give your child an envy-free life. Why not fill a shiny new tool box with Father’s Day tools for all your kids, just like Daddy? Especially, if you can set your children up for envy-free lives.
Envy is one of those sneaky emotions. It took me years to recognize when I felt it. I find it even harder to recognize when other folks are envious of me. Probably because I don’t think I’m all that special.
However, I did notice when kids were envious of my children. Probably because I think my kids are extra special. And their friends, too. Seriously! Maybe you can relate.
An Envy Free Life
But what if you could give your children tools to overcome envy for the rest of their lives? And don’t forget, grandparents can also use toolboxes to convey valuable truth.
The Toolbox Parable can easily inspire a small tot. Or older kids. Heck, just about anyone with a quick imagination. Besides, who can resist a brand new toolbox?
I originally wrote the Tool Box Parable for my column in the Bullard Banner. I came across it again as I searched through stories to include in my next book on parenting conversations.
Of course, I have my own set of tools. Smaller staple guns, my own battery charged drill, lots of scissors, and enough colorful duct tape to film a MacGyver episode.
The Tool Box Parable came out of a conversation I had with our son one day after school. Today, I’m smiling about that sweet conversation back in the day when I still picked our boy up from school. Hopefully, your children will take the truth of an envy-free life to heart.
Father’s Day: The Tool Box Parable
Once upon a time, a builder went to build a house and the electrician and the plumber showed up to do their jobs.
The electrician brought out his tool box and it had the things an electrician would need, wire cutters, plastic caps, conduits, wire strippers in various sizes, sharp nose pliers, rubber handled safety tools.
The plumberās box had different tools for cutting plastic pipe, pipe cutters for copper pipes, wrenches, putty and glue of various types and spare fittings of various sizes.
When both the plumber and the electrician started out they collected tools one at a time. It took a long time because they had to earn the money to buy their tools. Eventually they each collected just the right tools in their own full toolbox.
The plumber did not look at the electricianās box and wish for wires because he knew he needed pipes.
The electrician did not look in the plumberās box and wish for putty. When an electrician connects wires he uses special plastic caps, not putty or glue.
Gratitude in Working Together
The builder was happy because both men showed up on site to do their job with the tools they needed to make the house safe and sturdy.
The plumber was happy because the water flowed through the pipes and provided fresh, clean water for the family with no threat of flood.
The electrician was happy because when the light switch was flipped, the lights came on safely with no threat of fire.
Both the plumber and the electrician were grateful to have the tools they needed to do their job.
God can fill anyoneās new toolbox with the tools he will need to fulfill the purpose for which God designed him, even when mommy and daddy donāt know it yet.
But the best toolbox of all is the one God gives daddies and mommies because they have the hardest, most important job of all. Building a home, not just a house.
Single Moms and Other Heroic Parents
Certainly, we always keep in mind how tender Father’s Day is for many families led by single moms. I want you to know my heart is thinking of you in the coming weeks especially. I know heroic friends who have raised amazing sons and daughters. Here are a few favorites:
How to Be the Family Champion With Sandra Beck
Suddenly Single Mom Jeanette Hanscome Shares Tips
Strong Women Working Without Intimidation with Cynthia Tobias
Sandwich Generation: Tips for Making Mom (or Dad) Feel at Home
Dark Place or Mommy Care? Oxygen and Comfort for Mom
Motherhood: Encouraging Yourself in a Hands Full Life with Brooke Frick
But there are so many heroic parents out there. You know who you are. And so do your kids.
Father’s Day Blessings and One Last Tribute
David has always done a great job of setting our kids up to succeed. He always said if God wanted us to do something, He’d provide. Watching for God’s provision made so many decisions easier for us along the way. I really love that bit of wisdom from the father of my children.
I hope The Toolbox Parable helps empower you and your kids to enjoy whomever God puts in your path without envy or insecurity. May your children be confident in their own unique purpose. And may you parent with confidence in the God who has already prepared everything you need to fulfill His purpose for your family!
Blessings all around!
š
cathy
May we pray together?
Dear good Father, It’s Father’s Day and we’re celebrating. But even as we do, we miss certain men in our life. maybe they left a big hole because they were wonderful. Or maybe the gap is there because they failed us. Give us hearts to forgive relentlessly, O Lord. Comfort our grief. Teach us to rise to the purpose You have for us. Help us lead our families, especially to enjoy whomever You put in our path today. Without envy or insecurity. May our children be confident in their own unique purpose. Same with our grandkids. And the kids we may never meet in generations to come. May we parent with confidence in the You. Thank You for already preparing everything we need to fulfill Your purpose for our family! Keep blessing us because that is Your heart’s desire. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
We LOVE to hear from YOU!
What’s in your tool box? Which parables transformed your thinking? When has your child brought home a problem leading to a treasured conversation?
Better Conversations
Don’t forget better conversations is a GREAT gift to give your family for generations to come. For your convenience, find both our books, The Well: The Art of Drawing Out Authentic Conversations and Marriage Conversations: From Co-existing to Cherished.
More Favorite Quotes
“It is a wise father that knows his own child.” ~William Shakespeare
“I want to congratulate all the men out there who are working diligently to be good fathers whether they are stepfathers, or biological fathers or just spiritual fathers.” ~T. D. Jakes
“I pray to be a good servant to God, a father, a husband, a son, a friend, a brother, an uncle, a good neighbor, a good leader to those who look up to me, a good follower to those who are serving God and doing the right thing.” ~Mark Wahlberg
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'” ~Jesus Christ, John 14:6 NKJV
Next Up!
This month, we’re focusing on men in a BIG way! Fatherās Day is around the corner and we are praising God for the good men we know! Weāre always amazed when men tell us they are listening in.
So, in honor of men everywhere, Iām taking on a nail-biting topic that several people have asked me quietly to address. Erectile dysfunction is not a topic easy to bring up at church, thatās for sure!
But I had to wait until I had an authority with no pills or procedures to sell. Fortunately, weāll hear from Dr. Jim McAndrews. Two shows answering our questions about erectile dysfunction and then, his testimony. What an amazing friend and expert!
Then, look for Tammy Whitehurst soon! And finally, Anna will be co-hosting again. I can hardly wait! We’ve got some changes coming- stuff we think you will REALLY LOVE!
ā¤ļø I am grateful for all you are doing to restore our culture in you own way! ā¤ļø
Cathy Krafve, host of Fireside Talk Radio and author of The Well: The Art of Drawing Out Authentic Conversations and Marriage Conversation: From Coexisting to Cherished. We welcome your stories, ideas, and questions at CathyKrafve.com.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks