Learning to operate a mini excavator (or mini digger) has given me much more than just a practical new skill — it has also become an experience of personal growth and faith.

At first, sitting in the driver’s seat of this powerful machine was intimidating. The controls are complicated, with different levers and pedals responsible for moving the bucket and the tracks. You have to use both hands to lift the boom and control the bucket, so that it goes where you want. Every movement requires concentration, patience and careful coordination. Get it wrong and the whole arm starts swinging round!

I’ve often passed workers at the roadside, concentrating on their task. But I hadn’t realised the skill involved, the careful positioning of the bucket, the angle of entry into the soil, each movement has to be made thoughtfully for an efficient operation.

With guidance from an experienced instructor, however, confidence gradually begins to grow. The first lessons focused on safety and understanding the machine before practising simple movements. Slowly, tasks that had initially seemed impossible became more familiar. Learning to move soil accurately and control the bucket required persistence, especially after mistakes.

The experience also led to reflections on faith. Learning a new skill is similar to developing a relationship with God: both require trust, patience and a willingness to persevere even when progress is slow.

Sometimes in our faith journey you have to take small steps and trust that over time, with guidance and practice, you will improve. Faith is not about passing exams, it’s about developing a relationship with God. It’s not about memorising Bible verses, but about becoming the person God calls us to be; people of integrity, compassion, patience, persistence.

Religious teachings encourage people to use their abilities responsibly and to develop the gifts they have been given. In this way, gaining practical skills can become an opportunity to appreciate personal potential and build confidence.

The experience of learning a new skill was a reminder that fear can be overcome through perseverance. This learning journey proved that with patience, support and determination, even unfamiliar challenges can become opportunities to grow. In addition, we now have a large pond in the garden (which was the intention)!