The Pencil

There was a man who earned his living by making pencils and selling them in boxes to people. 

Just before he put each one into a box, the pencil maker took the pencil and spoke to it.

"There are 5 things you need to know before I send you out into the world"  he told each pencil.  "Always remember them so that you can become the best pencil you can be."

The pencil maker imparted his lessons so that the pencil understood and promised to remember. The pencil went into the box with purpose in its heart and into the world to make a difference.

These were the five things the pencil maker shared:

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 better.

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.

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

The lessons for us here are parallel:

1. We we can do great things when we follow the guidance we are given.
2. Not everything will be easy, but it will be worth it.
3. We all get second chances.
4. What we are inside-our values, thoughts, dreams- that is what really matters.
5. No matter how hard life seems, never give up. Use your life to make a difference.