“Why would anyone choose a pencil over a pen?” Sam asked as he watched his grandfather carefully sharpening the wooden instrument.
The old man smiled. “Because a pencil remembers how to change.”
He handed it to Sam. “This pencil’s got a few lessons to teach. Want to hear them?”
Sam nodded.
“First,” Grandpa said, “you can do great things, but only when you allow yourself to be held by something greater—like this pencil in my hand.”
Sam turned the pencil slowly.
“Second, you’ll be sharpened by life. It might hurt, but it’ll make you more precise—more you.”
He pointed to the eraser. “Third, you can always fix your mistakes. Never fear a wrong mark.”
“Fourth,” he said, tapping the pencil’s wood, “what’s outside might be polished or plain, but the important part—your heart, your truth—is inside.”
Sam smiled. “And the last one?”
“Leave your mark,” Grandpa said. “Whatever surface you touch—whether a paper, a person, or a moment—make it count. Not with perfection. With presence.”
Sam took the pencil and tucked it behind his ear.
“Thanks, Grandpa. I’ll try to remember.”
“Don’t just remember,” Grandpa said, winking. “Write it into the story of your life.”
audio version:
Service Reflection
Key Theme: You Already Belong—Live from Inner Wisdom, Not External Expectations
This service brings a clear, empowering spiritual message:
- You are enough exactly as you are. You don’t need to change yourself to belong, be accepted, or meet society’s standards.
- True wisdom comes from within. Inspiration and intuition are gifts of Spirit and Creator, and cannot be replaced by intellectual striving alone.
- Take responsibility for your state of mind and your life. What you radiate, you attract—so choose joy, love, and truth.
- Live with purpose. Your life has meaning, your mark matters, and you are here to share your light.
In essence: You already belong. You carry divine wisdom within you. Live as your truest self—and share your light with the world.
