155- A Conference for the Tools of Carpentry

The tools of carpentry met together on a conference. As the hammer wanted to head the conference, the tools protested, “How can the hammer head the conference while he’s very noisy. He should leave the conference.”

“If I have to leave for my noise, then, the anvil should also leave since he works on the surface. His work has no depth.” The hammer said.

When the anvil heard this, he protested, “If you want me to leave, then, the ruler should also leave. He’s only used in measuring. He proudly claims that he’s the only one who works accurately.”

The ruler complained, “If I have to leave because of my pride, then, the sandpaper doesn’t deserve to participate in the conference for he’s rough and his sound is disgusting.”

Thus, each tool thought no one but him deserved to participate in the conference. When the carpenter of Nazareth came in, he took the wood and worked silently with the hammer, the anvil, the ruler, the sandpaper and the nails. He made a magnificent cross which all the tools united to praise for they all participated in the work. They all felt that they needed each other in the hands of the Wonderful Savior.

→ English translation of the story here at St-Takla.org: مؤتمر بين أدوات النجارة.

My soul suffers from pride.

I despise the works and thoughts of others.

Sometimes, I suffer from frustration.

Thus, I see myself without talents

Doing nothing valuable.

Take me with Your right hand and work in me as in my brethren.

Make from us ambassadors for You.

You are wonderful in Your work O Lord.

You raise us out of the dust

And bring us to Your Father’s bosom.

We’re proud of all Your tools.

Who Taught My Daughter Lying?

Short Stories (Stories for the Youth) Books by Father Tadros Yacoub Malaty

Long Love And Tears