The Saw

You may recall the poignant story that was made popular by Stephen Covey several years ago. Here is my paraphrase…

A young man went to see a foreman for a job as a lumberjack. The foreman hired the zealous boy on the spot. He was eager to make an impression among his peers—he cut down 18 trees on the first day! His boss and his friends were quick to praise his exceptional skill in felling trees. Everyone was awe-struck!

Basking in the praise of his peers and the foreman, he worked even harder the next day; however, he only managed to fell 15 trees.

On his third day, he worked tirelessly. He took no breaks but cut down only 10 trees.

Day after day, his output continues to dwindle. He worked himself to death, but his numbers still declined.

Facing imminent termination by his boss, the young man apologized for his lack of production. His boss looked at him and then asked a simple question: “Dude, when was the last time you stopped to sharpen your saw?”

The young lumberjack replied, “Sharpen my saw? I didn’t have time to stop! I was too busy cutting down trees!”

The lesson, of course, is that we all need to take time to sharpen our saw. Set aside time to rejuvenate our body, mind, and soul. Preventive life maintenance must be intentional. It is not a waste of time, but a strategic investment in ourselves!

The illustration's point was simple: the lumberjack needed to stop more often to sharpen his saw. If we don't take time to sharpen our own saw, we become less effective over time.

I have a different slant on this story. Why wasn’t anyone coaching this young man sooner? Was anyone schooling the team of young lumberjacks to set aside time to sharpen their saws—and other important lumberjack stuff?

People don’t know what they don’t know. Take that to the bank. Recalling this principle often will help us be less judgmental and more patient with those around us. Not everyone in your sphere of influence has had a Disneyland Life—or someone to coach them along life’s slippery path. They don’t know what they don’t know—or it just has not clicked yet…

I wonder what young lumberjack in your life could use a gentle reminder to sharpen their saw? To sharpen their SOUL. Perhaps your grandson. Your daughter. A coworker, an elderly neighbor, or a spouse.

Let me suggest two takeaways.

1. Do you have a lumberjack in your life who is floundering? Who in your sphere of influence could benefit from your genuinely attentive and listening ear? We’re not talking about a full-frontal attack where you download your wisdom and life experience into their brain! Is there someone you could just be present with? Listen to them and let them process. Ask thoughtful questions—without feeling like you must provide answers. You know what I’m talking about. Do for someone else what you desperately wish someone would do for you. And if the moment presents itself, suggest they sharpen their saw, if appropriate. Be a discreet mentor/coach to someone.

2. What are you doing to sharpen your own soul, heart, mind? Are you spending time in nature? You cannot beat solitude in nature to repair that tired soul of yours. When was the last time you took a walk or sat alone in extended silence? Time in reflection and introspection? Time chatting with God?

Did I just read your thought bubble? Did you really say you don’t have time? Too busy cutting down trees, eh? How’s that workin’ for ya?

Take time today to sharpen a friend—lending them your listening ear…and be sure to nourish that soul of yours, too.

matt

For extra credit, check out Proverbs 27:17

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