The document tells a story about a young man who gets a job cutting down trees but is fired after a few days for becoming less productive. When he complains, his boss asks if he has been taking time to sharpen his axe. The young man realizes he has been too busy working to maintain his tools. The moral of the story is that people in today's busy world often forget to take time for self-care and spiritual renewal, which are important for maintaining effectiveness and happiness just as sharpening tools is important for an axe. The document encourages taking time daily to sharpen one's axe through prayer, scripture reading, and listening to God.