Sharpening the Saw

     One of the most important books I ever read is Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. One lesson I learned from it was the importance of “Sharpening the Saw.” Just as anyone using a saw regularly will be more effective if he periodically stops sawing to sharpen the saw, so we are more effective in our life if we occasionally invest some time in self-improvement. This self-improvement can come through reading, meditation, attending lectures, or participating in small group discussions. The important component is availing ourselves of new information to the way we live our lives.

     I have followed Covey’s advice in through my life in both professional and personal settings. I have benefited greatly in both realms. Recently I was invited to attend one day of the Global Leadershio Summitt, hosted by the Global Leadership Network. You can learn more about them by googling them.

     The setting was the auditorium at the Harrisburg campus of the LCBC (Lives Changed By Christ) church. The presentations were virtual, presented simultaneously at locations all over the country. I confess that I was somewhat dubious about how much I would benefit, because I have attended many similar events in the past. Yet I learned once again that I gain more by inspiration than education when I participate in leadership training.

    One speaker was John Maxwell. His introduction revealed a seventy-eight-year-old man who has accomplished a great deal in life, and who is still excited about the future. His presentation suggested that all of us need three things to move us towards a life of fulfillment.

     The first is a sense of purpose, symbolized by a compass to provide direction. He suggested Psalm 139:16 from the MSG bible as scriptural support. The second is an action plan of “what I am doing now” to pursue that purpose. This is symbolized by a clock and supported by 1st Corinthians 12:7. The final component is to have other people involved, represented with an image depicting three people. 2nd Timothy 2:2 backs up this segment.

     At the end of the day I was glad that I attended. Others from the Pennsylvania Center for Dairy Excellence were there as well. In the future we can look back on this shared experience as we plan and brainstorm the future of our organization. Opportunities to “Sharpen the Saw” should be taken seriously.