I was watching a local TV show recently about a stone sculptor. I'm always interested in the creative process and this was no different. However, the host asked about his chisels and the sculptor was immediately more animated. He showed this huge pile of chisels but pulled out only three of them and described each with pride. Then he showed a couple of mallets that he was obviously very proud to own.
I then realized that our tools are, or may be, works of art in their own right. I can remember when I purchased my guitar. Although it had been ordered in February, it wasn't finished and delivered until late March. When I opened the case it took my breath away. And when I strummed it for the first time we had a bonding moment.
I've spoken with painters who have certain brushes that they are motivated by. Even framing carpenters that have a special hammer that seems to react to their touch. I'm convinced that other artists and craftsmen have specific tools that they are drawn to. Having the right tool motivates us to do our best work. When I received my guitar I played it for a couple of hours. Then I just held it and had the realization that I didn't deserve it. But I vowed that I would some day.
Like the sculptor, if you compliment me on my work I will be thankful and grateful. But if you compliment my guitar I will talk for far longer than you expect......or want. I had a similar experience with a violinist friend recently. I've known him for several years and we've even played together a few times. But as he was putting his violin away I heard him just pluck the open strings a couple of times and that sound of the violin making unadorned notes was magic. All I had to do was acknowledge it outloud and we were off. I didn't mind, of course, because I share that passion.
I am lucky to have met the creator of my guitar. I shook the hand of the man who built it. Most folks will never have a similar privilege. But we should always take time to honor those tool builders. They are the ones who package the magic and then invite us to unleash the power.