An AXE-citing and AXE-perational tale

Times were tough in the Great Northwest.  The local Sawmill had one opening for a Lumberjack but there were 2 woodcutters who applied (Forrester & Leaf).  Forrester was a MOUNTAIN of a MAN with huge muscles, and Leaf was little (Small in stature) and quite underwhelming.

With only one position available, a competition would be held to see who could chop the most wood in an 8-hour day.  The next day, both men took their positions in the forest and started chopping at 7 am.  After about an hour, Forrester realized that no chopping sounds were coming from his opponent’s side, he thought: “Ah Ha! He must be tired already!” Forrester increased his pace and cut down 8 trees in the first hour.  About 10 minutes later Leaf returned to cutting wood.  He only cut 6 trees in the first hour.

At the end of the second hour, after cutting 6 trees, Leaf disappeared into the woods again???  Forrester kept up the pace and cut 7  more trees.  This went on the whole day. Every hour, Leaf would stop chopping for fifteen minutes while Forrester kept chopping relentlessly.  Hour 3, Forrester only cut 6 trees, and Leaf cut 6 trees. Hour 4, Forrester cut only 5 trees, and shockingly, Leaf still cut 6 trees.  Hour 5, still leading by 2 trees, Forrester felt absolutely confident that he would take the victory and win the job.

At the end of the 8-hour day, Forrester had cut down 36 trees (basically losing 1 tree per hour from his total).  Leaf consistently cut 6 trees per hour for a total of 48.  Forrester demanded to know, “How could you have chopped down more trees than me? I heard you stop working every hour for at least fifteen minutes?”  Leaf replied, “Very simple, every time I stopped, I drank some water, rested for 5 minutes, and spent 10 minutes sharpening my axe.” Forrester replied, “Sharpening? I’ve had no time to sharpen my axe. I was too busy cutting down trees….”

I’m reminded by Pastor J of Ecclesiastes 10:10: "If the axe is dull and the blade needs sharpening, more strength is required, but skill provides success".

What are you doing today to SHARPEN YOUR AXE?  Are you serving others or studying the word or sharing your faith? Are you part of a small group or attending Sunday services? Are you standing in the gaps for the less fortunate? There’s so much we can do when the blade is sharp. Y’all have a great day, and GOD bless you.