That Unneeded Tool in the Toolbox

My husband is a master carpenter.

He has many, many tools that he uses for various jobs.

Of course, not every tool is needed for every job.

He knows which tools are needed at each job and takes those along with a few extra things just in case he might need them after all.

He has added to his tool collection over the years.

Some tools in his toolbox he needed frequently once upon a time.

Then there came a time that he didn’t need them as much, and those tools found their way to the bottom of the toolbox.

He knows they have served him well and knows he will someday need them again, so he holds on to them. I’ve been feeling a bit like those unneeded tools lately. My son has moved out, and my daughter has one foot out the door.

I know this is the natural progression of life, and it’s good to watch your children spread their wings and fly. But I’ve been a stay-at-home mom for the past twenty-one years, and to be perfectly honest, I don’t know how to be anything else.

They needed so much from me while growing up: meals, snacks, dressing, bathing, emotional support, advice, as well as help with friendship strife and broken hearts. Now they are grown and don’t need these things from mom.

It feels bittersweet. I am grateful they are equipped to move into the next phase of life, yet I’m not quite ready to let go.

As they tote their new toolboxes with their own set of tools, I remain at the bottom. Underneath the shiny new tools sits the old trusty but rusty tool.

But you know what brings me a little comfort? I’m still in the toolbox. My husband may not need his old tools on every job, but he keeps them in the toolbox in case he needs them. And when he does, he is always grateful that he kept that old trusty tool in the toolbox. I want to be used by God in whatever capacity He has in mind. I’ll just be here in the Master Carpenter’s toolbox if anyone needs me.

Cyndi Woods