#2 Pencils

Something came up the other day that has given me something to think about. Since long before I was born, it seems that every school supply list includes #2 pencils. That was the only kind of pencil I remember while I was in school and my kids use the same kind. Sure, they may look different (colors and pictures on the outside instead of the odd yellow color - a color I only ever see on #2 pencils by the way), but they are still #2 pencils.

Why? What is it about #2 pencils? Why do schools all across this country request/require #2 pencils? Because they have proven to be the best. They have stood the test of time. They are recognized as the standard.

"So what?" you may be asking yourself. Well, in this mortal life, there are certain moral values that have also stood the test of time. Some people really do believe that religion is "the opiate of the masses" and is nothing more than delusional fantasies or wishful thinking (or at the worst, hate-mongering). However, I don't "cling" to old ideas just because they are old (there are plenty of old, bad ideas), but because over the years, centuries, and millenia they have proven themselves to be the best way to happiness; that is what I want, to be happy and to have my family be happy. Sure, there are sacrifices to be made, but isn't it worth it?

As odd as it sounds, I am comparing my religious values to a #2 pencil. Dependable. Proven. Standard. And it comes with an eraser when you make mistakes...