A particularly strong woodcutter once applied for and was hired by a timber trader. Both the money and the working conditions were excellent. The woodcutter was resolved to give it his all because of these factors.
The Wood Cutter
He was given an axe by his employer, who also showed him the workspace.
The woodcutter brought eighteen trees on the first day.
“Congratulations,” replied the supervisor. “Continue in that direction!”
The woodcutter was much inspired by the boss’s remarks and made a greater effort the following day, but he was only able to bring fifteen trees. He made an even greater effort on the third day, but he was only able to bring ten trees. He was delivering fewer and fewer trees every day.
“I think I’m getting weaker,” the woodcutter pondered. He apologized to the employer, stating that he was unable to comprehend the situation.
The boss inquired, “When was the last time you sharpened your axe?”
Sharpen? Time to sharpen my axe was not on my agenda. I’ve been attempting to trim trees a lot.
Reflection:
That’s how our lives are. We may become so busy that we neglect to sharpen the “axe.” Everyone appears busier but less content than ever in today’s environment.
Why is that? Is it possible that we have lost the ability to remain “sharp”? There is nothing wrong with hard labor and effort. However, we shouldn’t become so busy that we overlook the things that are essential in life, such as our personal lives, spending time with our Creator, spending more time with our families, reading, etc.
Everyone needs time to unwind, reflect, and meditate, as well as to grow and learn. We will lose our effectiveness and become drab if we don’t take the time to sharpen the “axe.”
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