Noting sources

There’s the palette knife from Tim. A set of combination wrenches from my dad. Some calipers from Scotty’s grandfather. An oversized screwdriver from Mr. Fisher. A mallet that Jason turned.

Most of the tools in my shop have a story. I can trace their origin. I can reflect on how long they’ve been with me.

Likewise, with our skills and abilities — sometimes we know their source. Lessons and learnings from parents, teachers, mentors, and friends.

Sometimes we know who taught us how to tie a knot. Or who explained color theory. Who modeled careful listening. Who told us about compound interest. Or how to make pecan tassies. Or how to be humble.

We can’t always know. Some of who we are and what we know develops organically and without signature. But when we do know, it can easily be sweetly sentimental.