As I’ve said before, times of career transition can be some of the most stressful and depressing. There’s a tendency to lose sight of the value you have to others and yourself. This parable I ran across a while back encouraged me and really made me think.
The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, and just before putting him into the box said, “There are 5 things you need to know before I send you out into the world. Always remember them; never forget; and you will become the best pencil you can be.”
1. You will be able to do many great things but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone’s hand.
2. You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you’ll need it to become a better pencil.
3. You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.
4. The most important part of you will always be what’s inside.
5. 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, promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.
Now replace the pencil with you. Always remember these things; never forget; and you will become the best person you can be.
1. 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.
2. You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time by going through various problems in life, but you’ll need it to become a stronger person.
3. You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make.
4. The most important part of you will always be what’s on the inside.
5. On every surface you walk across, you must leave your mark. No matter what the situation, you must continue to do your duties.
Allow this parable of the pencil to encourage you to know that you are a special person, and only you can fulfill the purpose you were born to accomplish. Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot make a change.
–Author Unknown
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