Who are the people on your Swiss knife?
Last week, a friend told me, “You’re one of the people on my Swiss knife.”
I looked perplexed, so he went on. “People carry a Swiss knife around with them so they will have all the tools they might need in any situation,” he said. “You’re one of my tools.”
Who knew that being called a tool could be a compliment?
When people carry a Swiss knife, they forget about it most of the time; they only remember it when a challenge arises. Then they dig into their pocket to pull out the best tool for the situation: maybe a large sharp knife to sever something that needs to be cut away, a smaller knife for the precision work, a screwdriver to tighten loose screws, or a can opener to access nourishment.
We all have a metaphorical Swiss knife, I think.
We carry friends, mentors, and teachers with us unconsciously, and when a challenge arises we call on them to help us through: a word of advice to sever something that needs to be cut away, a hug for the precision work, laughter to tighten loose screws, or a happy memory to nourish the soul.
Who are the people on your Swiss knife?
Posted on June 14, 2011, in Inspiration and tagged Swiss knife. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
Read you posting in my bed while I could not get out of it. You got me smiling and laughing and i’m off to work! Can’t believe I called you a tool either, blame it on my lovely first language ! You’re awesome Arlene!
I love your beautiful first language. And I’m happy that I was a useful “tool” this morning.