A Christmas Thought

I recently came across a tidbit of information that caused me to stop and think. It was found in Mark Nepo's Book of Awakening. It describes the first form of pencil as simply a ball of lead. Now it became evident that if this ball was scratched upon a surface, it would leave a mark. The effect was good; the process was not.
Gradually, as this tool was whittled to conform to the shape of the human hand, the ability to write and communicate became much easier. So it is with each of us as we move through this world and the people we encounter along the way. Imagine we are each like a ball of lead. We try to leave a mark that indicates to the other our intentions of love and connection. The cumbersome shape, though, does not allow for very clear communication. As we whittle this ball of lead through our trials, tribulations, challenges, acts of forgiveness, and moments of grace, we realize that the "point" of this work is to create a sacred tool that touches each one with the knowledge that we have finally come to a genuine understanding of what our love means.
I feel as we enter this Blessed Season that the message that The Child brought through His willingness to enter a human life is that what we craft from the raw material of our lives, like the pencil from the ball of lead, is precious and the gift we give to the world. The tool may be sharp but the message is hopefully soft and compassionate.
May you all know the deep and abiding joy and peace that is the essence of this Christmas time. May we all continue to strive for the lasting closeness which gives this life its meaning and encourages us to continue to leave our mark.
Blessings to you and all you love.