How You're Like a Pencil

I received this from a friend and it is so good I have to share it with you. I have a great relationship with many educators here in the Clarke Community Schools, as well as in several other districts. One of the things I remember growing up in Iowa schools was whenever it came to taking a test I was to bring a......remember? A No. 2 Pencil. Never a pen, never a harder or softer pencil, only a No. 2 Pencil.

In 5th grade I didn't even realize they made anything other than a No. 2 Pencil, but they do. There are all different types of pencils; different hardnesses, different sizes, mechanical pencils, carpenter's pencils and the list could go on. The point is, each one is different and serves it's unique purpose. So, that being said.........

Did you know that you are like a pencil? Here's how:

1. Like a pencil, you can correct your mistakes. You can't change the past, but you can rectify it. And though you can't erase history, you can erase guilt and anger with forgiveness. (1 John 1:9)

2. Like a pencil, painful sharpening can serve to make you better. Your difficult times can actually sharpen your skills or shape you into the person you were meant to be. (Proverbs 3:12)

3. Like a pencil, you can do great things when you allow yourself to be held in Someone's hand. (Proverbs 3:5 & 6)

4. Like a pencil, you can leave your mark whenever possible. That is what you're here for -- to leave your mark. It may be in small ways, it may be in the lives of people you have touched or nurtured, but you must leave something good behind whenever you can. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)

5. Like a pencil, it is what is on the inside that matters.Whether it is understanding or intolerance, love orbitterness, peace or unrest, kindness or self- centeredness, hope or despair, courage or fear, what is on the inside matters most. (1 Samuel 16:7)

So, what kind of mark are leaving on people's lives and in this world?