Let Your Life Shine like the Pencil

 

Do you still use a lead pencil? I do; sometimes pencils are stuck in my hair or behind my ear, especially while grading or editing writing projects.

So, when  the pastor gave the youth message—Parable of the Pencil—my ears perked up. How could my life resemble that of a pencil? Here are the five qualities: 

1. Allow yourself to be held by God and let others help you.  You are capable of great things, but can’t forget that God’s hand is guiding your steps according to His will.
2. Trouble will come your way, but it will make you stronger. The pencil gets dull and needs to be sharpened. You, too, need sharpening like a saw.
3. We all make boo-boos, but like the pencil there’s an eraser to rub out the mistakes. Correcting something helps us to grow deeper and more passionate.
4. What’s on the inside—the graphite—counts; pay attention to what is happening inside of you. Use reflection, self-observation, and self-questioning.
5. Leave a mark wherever you go. A helpful and teachable one that others can remember, cherish and use. A legacy.

Now, if you haven’t used a pencil in a while, pick one up and think about your life according to the pencil.

Today’s Prayer

Lord, open unto me

Open unto me — light for my darkness.
Open unto me — courage for my fear.
Open unto me — hope for my despair.
Open unto me — peace for my turmoil.
Open unto me — joy for my sorrow.
Open unto me — strength for my weakness.
Open unto me — wisdom for my confession.
Open unto me — forgiveness for my sins.
Open unto me — love for my hates.
Open unto me — thy Self for my self.

Lord, Lord, open unto me! Amen.