Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, write all the words which I have spoken to you in a book. Jeremiah 30:2
From kindergarten on, one was frequently in my hand, and I learned to write with it. The object was a simple combination of wood, metal and rubber. It was a pencil. Back then, it was a staple of the world.
Although there are now other types of writing instruments around, the pencil, with its ability to both write and erase, is still around. Today’s pencils are made from wood from the Northwest, lead from South America, and an eraser from the Middle East.
Time was when the pencil capital of the country was just north of where I live in a little town called Cedar Key. Millions of pencils were made there until they ran out of cedar trees.
Actually, something as apparently simple as a pencil is in fact the product of a very complex economic process based upon the division of labor, international trade, and comparative advantage.
There’s an anonymous story of a pencil maker who took the pencil aside just before putting it into the box. “There are five 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.”
Now replacing the place of the pencil with you; always remember them and never forget, and you will become the best person you can be.
- ONE: You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in God’s hand. And allow other human beings to access you for the many gifts you possess.
- TWO: You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, by going through various problems, but you’ll need it to become a stronger person.
- THREE: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.
- FOUR: The most important part of you will always be what’s on the inside.
- AND FIVE: On every surface you walk through, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties. By understanding and remembering, let us proceed with our life on this earth having a meaningful purpose in our heart.
What kind of pencil for God will you be?
John Grant
used by permission
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