March 6, 2010 @ 2:26 pm
Working Hands
Redbud Valley Preserve, Tulsa, OK (13)
Chainsaws. Yes, chainsaws. In arranging this “Purpose,” and speaking with the man coordinating the event, he casually mentioned the possibility of my working with a chainsaw. As we’ve read thus far, I’m not the most adventurous when involving unfamiliar circumstances. I’m generally pretty courageous in regards to haunted houses, roller coasters, scary movies, and elements of that nature. However, when required physically, to contribute, I often fall short.
I grew up knowing exactly what this piece of equipment was as my brother Sam played Leatherface for a Haunted House at our church Halloween Party for several years, and he loved having me touch the saw without its blade attached. I knew what it was, but I’d never used one nor did I have any desire. However, if it was to be a necessary part of my learning experiences, well then so be it.
I arrived at my location early and was anxious to begin my work for the day, anxious to find if I would be chosen to use the chainsaw and all. Upon everyone’s arrival we began to walk toward the top of the hill. Slowly, with rocks as stairs, we’d reached our final destination. We moved from one world to another; one where chaos is routine, expected, to another, where the sky is big, the birds sing clearly, as though attempting to harmonize, and where peace seems not only possible, but likely. I stood still as the wind brushed against my face. I breathed deeply, as my lungs became emersed in familiar air. In Kentucky, right before the leaves fall, the smell is intoxicating. It’s consumed with soft earth, wet grass, burnt wood…my version of heaven. I closed my eyes and, for a second, imagined being home, with family, with friends, with myself…what a tremendously amazing feeling.
Then, with the short climb behind us, the chainsaw lesson commenced. Many things were said, but essentially: 1) Be aware of yourself and those around you 2) Make sure you hold tightly when in use as it may possibly buck toward you (fantastic!) 3) Pull the lever thing (you know that thing that makes it go), and then you’ll probably have to pull it again to make it start 4) Let ‘er rip. To say the least, I was nervous but upon completion, volunteers were requested and I stood in the back, fingers crossed. Luckily, I saw several people raise their hands, and I was home free!
I grabbed my chompers (again with the made up words, but the tool that looks like large pliers for yard work), and it was seriously as though I were embodying Ms. Martha Stewart herself. My pile of small trees, a.k.a, big twigs, grew larger and larger. I gathered my pieces and began to walk toward the others. Tossing them in our mound made me feel useful, successful. In Bruce Almighty, Morgan Freeman explains the benefits of manual labor. I’ve never truly understood that until now. Success becomes so clear. If you’re work is finished, celebrate. If not, work harder. No schmoozing, no subjectivity. No wondering if you’ve done this right or that wrong. Your expectations are clear. They’re either accomplished victoriously, or you must try, try again. I appreciate the simplicity, yearn for that honesty.
For quite awhile we chopped away, through thick dirt, sap, and thorns. Eventually, our once cluttered platform became new again, resembling backdrops from great love stories, where the endings are always heartwarming and everyone leaves happy. I think we all felt good about ourselves. We’d completed quite a bit and I was certain Mr. Freeman would be satisfied.
As I held the trees in descending toward the valley, I felt the wind again. I looked above and the sun was beginning to smile at us all. I stepped back into our complicated world. Though I knew it wouldn’t be easy, I’d try to maintain the simplicity only a place such as the Preserve can offer. I’d remember the smells, the air with its slight chill, and I’d remember the day I almost operated a chainsaw. Maybe next time I’d be a bit more courageous, and my hand would raise when the volunteers were called upon. Until then however, I was happy with the plateau of serenity I’d helped make possible. All sorts of people could experience the type of different world I experienced. For a few moments, they’d escape, rule the masses, and solve the problems of this generation. Should we allow ourselves, the strength we can receive from the simple beauties of truly seeing a sky is tremendous. I’m so happy I allowed myself to recognize the great wonders, and to realize how one person, even if in a very small way, can make something better for others, as well as for themselves.
Note: To Vinnie and John for letting me crash the party
