Analyzing That Misbehaving Toaster

The toaster in the kitchen conked out.  Oh, well.  Just buy a new one.
The computer printer put out a wrinkled page torn on the upper left hand side.  Was the problem with the device or the paper or how it was loaded? What to do?
“When you can identify the problem and assess the device that’s misbehaving that’s the first step,”  Craig began. “The challenge then is to sort out and recall any info you already have tucked in your brain.  Next you evaluate the advice you get from others.  Are they experienced, qualified to do the fixing?”
Who hasn’t needed these little reminders from time to time? Keeping all our household and automotive devices happily running is one thing.  The procedure that brings you success is the one to keep on doing.
What about the intangible things in life?  
Your success in the overall scheme of things is important to your peace of mind, and your future success builds on your earlier success.  This is why it’s important to settle issues for yourself, and then as a parent or friend of a friend, to be able to assist others.  Children need to learn to deal with problems without tears or angry words.  
Even grownups give in to childish behavior at times.  Maybe the bad word is now “Oh, crap,” instead of a swear word.  Whatever.  It does reveal to the bystander something about your maturity.
What’s wrong with the angry driver on the freeway who cuts in and out of traffic?  Does anger in return bring a teachable moment?  It’s time to claim your cool.  
What if I --- ? What if he --- ? What if they --- ?  What matters is looking ahead.  Wisdom is achieved, not delivered with your pizza order.
Craig was a teacher at Sunnyslope Elementary School.  His class —
 was reading about the beginnings of some inventions from the early 1900s. The inventor was trying to solve a problem, and experimentation was a big step that led to a breakthrough.
In life, in general, there’s not time enough to experiment with every idea for improvement.  Sometimes things happen so quickly that it’s a good thing you have a basis for where to start and how to begin.
Here’s a little exercise for your busy brain.  In ten words, jot down a recent problem you handled:     

What was your first inclination?

What was your first attempt?

What printed resources did you use?

What “expert” did you consult?

What was the eventual outcome, and how long did it take? 

All of life brings problems, but they are challenges that call for learning.  You and I can certainly pray about our interests, our efforts, our goals.  We want to do well.      + + +

by Elaine Hardt ©2014