I woke up this morning and was officially another year older. 33 years since God brought me out the womb.
This is the age the Lord was when he was killed on a cross. Thinking about his knowledge, wisdom, power, and faith at my age, I find myself lacking. He was a carpenter, he could fish, he was self sustaining. He was content to sleep where his head lay. He was a man of prayer, educated and knowledgeable. A man of strength and sacrifice. He inspired men, he confounded scholars, he challenged Rome, he faced his accusers and detractors head on. He was a only 33. Maybe it helped that his father was God.
I'm reading a biography on John Adams. At 15 he passed the Harvard Entrance Exam (which was to translate a passage into Latin) and was a full fledged lawyer by his early 20's. He studied civil law in Greek and Latin. And he was a farmer. Once again, I find myself lacking.
I've often sat with a lawyer friend of mine contemplating what we would do if/when the world as we knew it ended? We are both very intelligent men, educated, husbands and fathers. We both can do well well in a society where we make profit off of our intellect. But if we had to farm; build shelter; fish; hunt; gather; basic survival stuff, could we? What talent do you possess dear reader that will keep you alive when the supply train of instant goods is gone?
I label myself educated, but I can only speak and read one language. I don't know much about woodworking, metallurgy, carpentry, fishing, hunting, plumbing, electrical work, ect. I'm a decent general mechanic, but never had the opportunity to specialize in anything but Nuclear Power.
Most of history is a mystery to me. I've not read most of the "classic authors". I don't know law, or philosophy. I know enough science to know I don't know enough. Biology, health, healing, ect, all mysteries to me. In fact I'm astounded by what I don't know. The list is long.
I have a great potential for learning and understanding. But I seem to have a great void when it comes to the practical application. This thought disturbs me. Can I support and my family on the potential of my mind? Can a non-craftsman survive?
At the same time I look at the world around me and realize I am better educated than most. I am often looked at as a leader, creative thinker, hard worker, ect. Are these qualities that will help me feed my family in the years to come? Will the world still be willing to pay me for my mind, for my ability to organize and plan?
I often feel like the man behind the curtain.
There is no question that I'm a capable man, the question is, what am I capable of?
Boy, I think too much.
