Back To Home Page To Archives - Spring of Life - H. Roger Bothwell The Pencil I am holding an old pencil. It is one-third its original length. Its eraser is long since rubbed away. There are teeth marks in the yellow paint and the point is worn round and short. I wonder, “What is the history of this old object?” Was it used to write something of great value? Because it contains no ink it most likely never wrote a check nor signed an important contract. But could it have written directions to guide someone to a special destination. It could have jotted down an important phone number or reminded someone to meet a special appointment. It could have gotten someone an “A” on a test or misspelled a hundred words. Sometimes I look at people and wonder similar things. Sometimes people are much shorter than once upon a time. Sometimes they are worn and round with all their hair rubbed off the top. Their faces look chewed upon and filled with lines and I wonder what they have written. Did they write a biography of love or misfortune? Did they record a life of giving or taking? Did they draw a picture of caring or one of taking? Sometimes we can sit beside past greatness and never know. For the real substance of a man or woman is not in appearance but performance. Lord, help us this day to use our inner core to the write something good and lasting on another person’s life. Thank you for the inspiration to write well. I'm Roger Bothwell and my address is hrb1@tiac.net or 151 Old Farm Rd. Leominster, MA 01453. Thank you for your support of our faith ministry. Past devotionals can be accessed at Archives