I recently came across this story and wanted to pass it on.
A pencil maker took a pencil aside just before putting him into the box and said, “There are things you need to know before I send you out into the world.
- Everything you do will leave a mark.
- Be humble. Seek to correct the mistakes you make.
- From time to time you will undergo painful sharpening. It will only make you sharper and more effective in the future.
- Allow yourself to be guided by the hand that holds you.”
The advice given to the pencil is obviously quite relatable to us in our lives although difficult to live by as humility and vulnerability are required – two things which are frequently misunderstood to be weaknesses when they are really strengths.
As author Brené Brown writes, in her book, “Daring Greatly”, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity. It is the source of hope, empathy, accountability, and authenticity. If we want greater clarity in our purpose or deeper and more meaningful spiritual lives, vulnerability is the path.”
May we all allow ourselves to be vulnerable as we are guided by the hand that holds us!
