All Thumbs
When we try to do detailed work, many of us become all thumbs. Although texting has made thumbs an important part of daily life, we still prefer not to be all thumbs.
All thumbs means clumsy, especially with our hands.
Like a person with two left feet, we have trouble with physical coordination. Awkward and unskilled, we can’t get everything to work together.
We might experience this out-of-whack feeling with:
- Crocheting, knitting, or other needlework
- Playing a musical instrument
- Handwriting, especially calligraphy
- Anything that requires fine motor skills
If all thumbs, we lack grace.
It’s hard to look dignified when we can’t manage our physical reactions. Often, the harder we try, the worse everything grows.
With work, we can usually improve.
That is why we take lessons. Practice may not make us perfect. It does usually make us better.
When we can’t improve, we look for other abilities.
God created each of us with unique skills. If we don’t have certain talents, we can enjoy the work of those who do. We can also grow in what we do best.
I doubt the woman described in Proverbs 31 could do everything. Nevertheless, she did her best at what she did in service to God, her family, and others.
“She is clothed with strength and dignity. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate” (Proverbs 31:25, 31 NIV).
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Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment.
Thanks to Debbie Tapscott for the suggestion.
8 thoughts on “All Thumbs”
There are a lot of things I’m all thunbs at. Thank you for the reminder that not even the Proverbs 31 woman was good at everything.
I hear you, Tracy. I frequently feel like I’m all thumbs and have two left feet! I had not thought of the Proverbs 31 woman from that perspective until I worked on this post.
Loved the post Ms. Debbie and Ms. Diana. I can relate to being all thumbs in some things, but pretty fair in others. Did y’all know that electronics factories (before everything became automated) always had a preference for female workers to place small parts on a circuit board or assemble things? It was because women have better manual dexterity than men. I reckon that’s still the case. I can’t type a sentence without six mistakes to correct while the Mrs. is a wizard with a calligraphy pen (or whatever you call it, I think nib). Enjoyed ladies. Thank you and God’s blessings.
Thank you, J. D. You do have a way with words, my friend. I’m thankful for the variety of abilities among us. The trick is to get us all working together, sharing our strengths and supporting one another in our needs.
I’ve had many times in my life when I have thought I’m all thumbs, especially during my long physical battle post-pneumonia. Practice may not make perfect, Diana, but it certainly does improve us in so many ways.
Blessings!
Amen, Martha. Recovery can be a lengthy process. I’m grateful for therapists, family, friends, and a church that help during those challenging days. Blesssings.
There’s definitely times when I’m “All Thumbs.” It usually happens when I’m in a rush or feel pressured to complete a task. Or when I have too many things on my “too do” list. Like most problems we face, I’ve found a moment of prayer and meditation helps me do better. Enjoyed your message, Diana. Thank you.
Thank you, Katherine. I can identify with your usual causes for becoming all thumbs. Rushing and feeling pressure create the perfect environment for problems in accomplishing any task. I’m so thankful for God’s peace and direction when I slow down and allow God to take the reins.