If you know me, you know that one of my favorite sayings is, “It’s a process!” Want to make a scrumptious cake, build a fine house, or just tie your shoe? It’s a process. Every process begins with a heartfelt desire for a specific outcome. Then, a methodical series of steps must be planned and followed. Usually, there is a period of trial and error before those steps can be perfected.
In the mid-1500s, when the first graphite deposit was discovered in England, shepherds used it to mark their sheep. They soon realized it could also be used for writing. However, writing with graphite without wrapping it in cloth, sheepskin, or string created quite a mess.
Pencil making today is a highly automated process. Wood slats are trimmed, and grooves are cut to create a bed for the graphite strands (commonly known as lead). The “lead” is then sandwiched between two slats. Everything that doesn’t resemble a pencil is cut away before it’s painted, fixed with an eraser, and sharpened. Some pencils are round, while others are hexagonal. The hexagon shape prevents the pencil from rolling away and makes it easier to hold.
This may be more than you ever wanted to learn about pencils, but my prayer is that each time you pick one up, you’ll remember you are a useful instrument in God’s hand. Like the sheep in England, you have been clearly marked by the Great Shepherd. You are gently sandwiched between God’s loving mercy and Jesus’ grace. The Holy Spirit continues shaping you, urging you not to roll away. Submitting to His perfect process lets you feel God’s hand writing the story He crafted for you long ago.
Because of God’s great love for you, He will not leave you dull or pointless. Our lives must be continually sharpened. Proverbs 27:17 reminds us that it takes some routine grinding to keep us sharp.
How do you feel when you know God is sharpening you? Do you resist? Do you want to find the nearest drawer to hide in? Or do you eagerly wait to see what will come of it? If a pencil had feelings, I believe it would say that the sharpening process isn’t fun – but it’s necessary. A dull pencil makes an illegible mess. However, sharpening makes it more effective. And, the more effective it is, the greater its impact on the world.
The writer of Hebrews expressed it like this: “No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.” (Hebrews 12:11 NLT)
Jesus entered the world as our model for love and obedience. As our lives interact with His, we allow Him to cut away anything that doesn’t resemble Him. We also give Him room to sharpen us so we can leave an indelible mark on family, friends, and strangers. His sharpening WILL help us make a meaningful difference. As we focus on the birth of Jesus this season, let’s be more patient with ourselves and trust His hand because we are being perfectly processed, and, yes, it’s a process!
“I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect – life in its fullness until you overflow!” (Jesus, John 10:10b TPT)
(To read Part 1 of “Pencils for Christmas,” click here.)
