I've always liked motivational or thought-provoking quotes, stories, series, movies; you name it. I guess they give me a sense of hope, a belief.

Some call it being a dreamer, an idealist, immature, maybe fresh; others call it being optimistic, positive. I call it all of the above. I guess I can be called a little of all of the above, but I prefer the term inspired.

What prompted this post was an interesting story that I came across on the net. Thought I would just share this with you guys. Even if you silently read, or stumble upon this blog, you might have a need to read this. Even if you don't need it now, you might one day remember this story.

It's called the Parable of the Pencil.

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.

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

"One: You will be able to do many great 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 any mistakes you might make."

"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."

The pencil understood and promised to remember, and went into the box with purpose in its heart.