The Pencil Maker tells a pencil that it will: 1) Be able to do great things if it allows others to use it. 2) Experience painful sharpening that will make it better. 3) Be able to correct mistakes. 4) The most important part is what's inside. 5) It must leave its mark on every surface. The message is applied to the reader - they too can do great things if they allow others to access their gifts, experience problems to become stronger, correct mistakes, focus on the inner self, and leave their mark through duties. The reader is encouraged that their life can make a change.