Before putting a pencil into the box, the pencil maker reflected on its importance saying:

“There are 5 things you need to know before I send you out into the world. Always remember them and never forget them, and you will become the best pencil you can be.

“One: You will be able to do a great many 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 mistakes you might make if you have hope.

“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, place yourself in the role of the pencil if you want to 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 others 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, struggles, and obstacles in life, but you’ll need this to become a stronger person.

Three: You will be able to correct any mistakes you might make if you never lose hope.

Four: The most important part of you will always be what’s on the inside.

And Five: On every surface you walk through, you will leave your mark because you are made in God’s image.

May this story of the pencil inspire you to fulfill the purpose for which you were born.

—Fr. Hugh Duffy