It'll Cost an Arm and a Leg

Written by Matt Clarke | November 13, 2025

I remember the first time I learned to use a chainsaw. I was so excited to get my hands on the savage piece of equipment that, until that time, was regulated to the hands of my father. We burned a lot of wood at our house, having a wood-burning water heater, a fireplace, and a Franklin stove as a major source of heat. I had become fairly diligent with an ax, had more than my fair share of experience stacking wood, and I was ready to graduate to the tools of men.

I watched my dad cut up countless logs and was mesmerized by it. The smell of the burning gas mixed with chain oil, the whining and grinding sound of the teeth ripping apart the tree, and the sight of wood shavings flying around and covering everything behind it. Still to this day, it's one of my favorite activities. But I had to learn how to properly handle it, or I might lose a body part.

He showed me step by step how to check and tighten the blade, and where to put the gas and chain oil. He also showed me how to use the choke and start it up, where to place my hands, how to avoid chopping off my foot, and the proper placement and angle of the bar for a log, limb, or tree. There was so much to learn. I needed someone with vast experience to teach me and guide me, or it could cost me dearly.

Recently, I've been trying to do something I've never done before. It is something I've seen done for years, and the thought of doing so excites me and makes me super nervous. So, I reached out to the people I know who do it extremely well, and I asked for help. I asked a ton of questions, I listened, took notes, and committed to just do what they said. After all, that's wisdom. They are the experts, and I know basically nothing. I'm excited about trying something new, but I want to avoid as many mistakes as possible. Experience is the best teacher, but wisdom would say other people's experience is the right place to start.

"Listen to the words of the wise; apply your heart to my instruction." (Proverbs 22:17)

When you want to accomplish something new or at a higher level than you are currently, go find someone who is doing it. Humble yourself, don't overthink it, seek the wisdom of experience, and execute on what you learn. That's how you become an expert... learn from experts.

If you want to be a millionaire, hang out with millionaires and learn how they did it. I've found that most people are more than happy to help and offer guidance. You just have to swallow for pride or fear and ask. Then apply your heart to learning, especially from the instruction of the Father.

Don't be afraid to try new things. Go for it! It's exciting. That’s how you grow. Graduating from the wheelbarrow to the ax to the chainsaw is awesome, but you have to learn how to do it properly, or it might cost you an arm and a leg. Seek the wisdom of experience and be thankful for the people that God puts around you to do just that.

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