We share the following story with you, a parable. We first saw it a few years ago in a newsletter from Dennis McCurdy, author and life coach from Sturbridge, MA.

Keep Your Saw Sharp

In Canada, two lumberjacks, Pierre and Claude, each sold cord wood on the side. Both were legendary woodsmen and each had the skills and talents of the best. In fact, which man was the best was often a topic of discussion at the local tavern. “If there was a contest, who would win? Pierre or Claude?” patrons would debate.

The debate went on for years before coming to a head one night when both men were in the tavern. Claude stood up and brazenly issued a challenge to Pierre. The next day they were to meet at sunrise and be prepared to cut wood all day. At the end of the day the piles would be tallied and the winner announced. The winner would be the champion woodsman.

The next morning both men arrived early, rested and strong. Each was assigned an area to work, about 100 yards apart from one another. When they were ready, the gun sounded and the contest was on. The men could hear the other man’s ax and saw, hacking and sawing, hacking and sawing, hour after hour. As the day progressed and the piles of cord wood grew, Claude noticed that every hour Pierre would stop for about 10 minutes. Claude began to think, “I am stronger, have more endurance. Pierre can’t handle the pace.” This observation made Claude work harder.

When the sun set, everyone gathered to hear the results. Claude was sure he would win by a huge margin. After all, he had worked hard while Pierre was taking breaks. The judges finished the tally and came forward with the results. Claude began to walk forward when the contest judge said, “The winner and champion woodsman is… Pierre!” Claude was in shock! How could this be possible? He had outworked Pierre all day. Claude began to think, Pierre must have cheated. Claude protested, saying, “How could this be? Pierre, I heard you stop and take breaks, while I continued to work.”

Pierre looked at Claude. “Yes, it is true. I did take many breaks. And at each break I took time to sharpen my saw.”

So, take frequent breaks to sharpen your saw.

Keep your mind sharp so that it cuts through delusion and untruth.

Keep your mind sharp to accurately reflect the light of your soul.

Keep your mind sharp to see the light in others.

Keep your mind sharp to see all that can be grateful for.

Don’t let your courage, enthusiasm, and faith become dull.