Building a Life
An elderly carpenter was ready to retire, and he told his boss
of his plans to leave and live a more leisurely life with his wife.
He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire.
They could get by.
The contractor was sorry to see such a good worker go, and he asked
the carpenter to build just one more house as a personal favor.
The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart
was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used
inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.
When the carpenter finished his work, the employer came to inspect
the house. He handed the front-door key to the carpenter.
“This is your house,” he said, “It is my gift to you.”
The carpenter was shocked! What a shame! If he had only known he
was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.
So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less
than our best into the building. Then with a shock we realize
we have to live in the house we have built.
If we could do it over, we’d do it much differently.
But we cannot go back.
You are the carpenter of your life. Each day you hammer a nail,
place a board, or erect a wall. Your attitudes and the choices you
make today build your “house” for tomorrow.
Build Wisely!
- Author Unknown
