Sparks That Sharpen
“As iron sharpens iron, one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17
This verse made me research the actual process of what happens when iron sharpens iron. It’s the educator in me, ya’ll. When the two pieces of iron connect, there are sparks. The rubbing action smooths out and refines the edges of both pieces of iron. This sharpening mutually benefits both pieces so they can perform their tasks more effectively. The process of interaction and sharpening edges results in increased effectiveness and mutual improvement. The sharpening comes from continually being in contact and a reciprocal and balanced effort. Both pieces emerge sharper and more precise.
“Just as iron sharpens iron, one person sharpens another,
Amazing sparks fly from collaborating with each other.”
(SPS) (Sheila P Spencer version ) of Proverbs 27:17 (SPS)
This past week, I was a guest on a Sistahfriend’s podcast. We met at a conference several months ago and stayed connected. We discovered mutual interests and passions and collaboration. It was a blessing. Later that same day, I shared the experience while having lunch with another friend, who I met through an author’s event earlier this year. We clicked with mutual interests and gifts. We reconnected the past weekend as exhibitors at the same event and made plans to connect. We both agreed that it was divine timing for the both of us. This time was also mutually beneficial and blessed us both. When I returned home, I was able to FaceTime with a friend where we encouraged each other. Through three encounters, I was reminded about the importance of being in community.
In the midst of a world, where we may try to be a Lone Ranger, being in isolation doesn’t serve us. It reminds me of bell hooks assertion
“The intellectual tradition of the West is very individualistic. It's not community-based. The intellectual is often thought of as a person who is alone and cut off from the world. So I have had to practice being willing to leave the space of my study to be in community, to work in community, and to be changed by community" bell hooks
She reminds us of the power of being in community and collaborating with each other.
We are called to encourage and connect with each other. The benefits are:
Creative Sparks: Collaboration often leads to new ideas and innovative solutions that might not have been discovered working alone.
"Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up." - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10a (NIV)
Shared Wisdom: Each person brings unique experiences and knowledge, allowing everyone involved to learn from one another and gain new insights.
“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice." - Proverbs 12:15 (NIV)
Accountability and Motivation: Collaborating with others provides a support system that helps maintain accountability and keeps motivation high, driving everyone to achieve their goals.