The Pencil Parable

It's the time of year we make resolutions to lose weight, stop smoking, eat healthy and improve our minds. I love the thought that each New Year is a time to wipe the slate clean and start afresh. Throw out the old, the stuff that doesn't work and replace it with new ideas to enrich our lives. I had never heard this story before, but I think it's a good start to a new year...

 

 

The Parable of the Pencil

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.

"There are 5 things you need to know," he told the pencil, "Before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best pencil you can be."

 

"One: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand."

 

"Two: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become a better pencil."

 

"Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make."

 

"Four: The most important part of you will always be what's inside."

 

"And Five: On every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write."

 

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in it’s heart.