I fixed it myself! The pin that hooks this bushhog equipment to the tractor was missing, so I fixed it myself! See? in the picture,….. I took the tire tool from my truck, wrapped it with duct tape, and also tied it in place with parachute cord, and now I can continue my work cutting the grass.

YES! I fixed it! I’m a MAN!! I “Macgyvered it”. (A TV show back in the day where this guy solves all of his AND the worlds problems by unconventional methods.) Give me some duct tape and some wd40 and guys like me can fix anything, right? I mean, that’s pretty smart fixin’ the tractor connection by using a tire tool and tape. I thought so too. Until it broke.

We all have this desire inside of us to be able to fix ourselves. A self help type of attitude. Why is that? Is it because we want to be able to fix our own problems so nobody else will know? Is it the challenge or the feeling of accomplishment when we do “fix ourselves”…… even temporarily. It’s probably some “deep down in our inner being” thought process that kicks in. I’m thinking about taking a psychologist fishing with me and asking them a bunch of questions. Nope, not going to their office, cause they will try to fix me. I want to fix myself. Hmmm, see….. I just did it. I’d rather fix myself than get help.

I don’t know how the pin came out of the tractor hook up. It broke, it may have even over time just slipped out. But I’ll fix it. Mad and aggravated over what’s happened, but I’ll fix it.

While I’m in the middle of my breakdown my phone rings. A friend of mine calls, just checking in, seeing what’s going on. And I did it………. I said what all of us say…………… Those DREADED WORDS……… I answered the phone and said……. “I’M FINE”.

I’m broken down. There’s no mowing until I get this fixed, and yet I say “I’M FINE”. Hey, you understand don’t ya? We can’t let on like everything is NOT OK! I’m Fine. You’re Fine. Everything’s Fine!

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

Let me hit you right between the eyes with something. How are you doing? And don’t say “I’m fine”. We both know better. You got a pin loose and you’re broken down. That “broken pin” and “breakdown” is all over you. Marriage problem, kids, health issue, spiritual emptiness??? What’s your “broken pin”? You going to try to fix it with duct tape?

You need some help. Send me a private message. Honestly, I can’t do much to help you. But I know who can. See, I pray to Him constantly about my “broken pins” and “breakdowns”. I’ll pray for you as well.

I’m learning as I gain experience on this Christian journey that it’s not about being “fine”. It’s about BEING! It’s not about how good I am, how much I do, how many mistakes, how many successes, how many failures. If that’s what life is all about then I’ll constantly be in “I’ll fix it then I’m fine” mode.

This abundant life I’m chasing is about approaching God. Seeking God, knowing God. Going to Him to help with my breakdowns. The broken pins will still be there. I will still have times of need. It’s a different way of life. It’s a different way of thinking. It requires you to fully give all you have to God. All you have…….. that includes your “broken pins”. He’ll take them. God’s mercy and grace will restore your life better than you trying to fix yourself. God’s direction and grace…… or you and you’re duct tape. You get to decide.

“Dear Jesus, I’ve got friends out there who have “broken pins” and “breakdowns”. They say “I’m fine”. but…….. Would you just gently nudge them so they would feel Your presence. Then let Your mercy and grace flow into their hearts and lives. You are a mystery and hard to understand. Still we approach you asking for your help in our time of need. Sure do love you God!! Amen”

See Ya! Dan Ainsworth wilderness preacher