Loss of strength is the story of the ax

Once, a timber merchant accepting applications for a worker to cut down trees in the forest. Because of the promised wages and working conditions would be received very well, so that the candidate woodcutter was determined to do his best.

When starting work, the employer gives an ax and shows the work area must be completed with the target time has been specified to the woodcutter. The first day of work, he managed to knock down eight trees.

In the afternoon, to hear the work of the loggers, the employer was impressed and give a sincere compliment, "The results of your work was incredible! I am very impressed with the ability to cut down those trees. No one ever like this before. Continue to work like that. "

Highly motivated by praise his employer, the next day the loggers to work even harder, but he only managed to knock down seven trees.

The third day, he worked even harder, but the results remain unsatisfactory even disappointing. The more each passing day, the little tree that had broken down.

"I think I've lost the ability and strength. How can I account for my work to my employer? "Thought lumberjack feel shame and despair.

With bowed head he turned to his employer, apologized for the work of an inadequate and complain do not understand what had happened.

The boss listened and asked him,
"When was the last time you sharpened your ax?"

"Sharpen the ax? I do not have time for that. I am very busy every day cutting down trees from morning to evening with a vengeance, "said the lumberjack.

"Well, here's where the problem is. Remember, your first day of work? With the new axes and honed, then you can chop down a tree with outstanding results. The next few days, with the same personnel, using the same axes but not sharpened, you know, the result is declining, "said the master.

"So, no matter how busy, you should take the time to sharpen your ax, so that every day working with the same effort and maximum results. Now start sharpening your ax and go back to work!" Ordered the employer.

With a nod-nod and say thank you, the bush away from the presence of his employer to start sharpening the ax.

"Rest does not mean stop. But to travel further."

Just as the woodcutter, we had every day, from morning till night, as if trapped in a routine pattern. Busy, busy, busy, so often forget the other side are equally important, namely a short break to hone and fill out new things to add to the knowledge, insight and spiritual.

If we are able to regulate the rhythm of activity like this, our lives will surely be a dynamic, insightful and always new.