A pencil maker once took a pencil aside prior to putting it into a box.
"There are 5 things you need to know before you go into the world," he told the pencil. "Always remember them and they'll help you reach your potential."
"Firstly, remember that you will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone's hand."
"Next, keep in mind that you will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but you'll need it to become better."
"Third, don't forget that you have the ability to correct any mistakes you might make."
"Fourth, the most important part of you will always be what's inside."
"And lastly, on every surface you are used on, you must leave your mark. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write."
"....So tell them a tale, perhaps they might reflect." ~ The Holy Qur'an, 7:176
Khalid Latif