An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer of his plans
to leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his
wife enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he
needed to retire. They could get by. The contractor was sorry to see his
good worker go and asked if he could 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 front-door key to the carpenter. "This is your house," he said,
"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. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect
a wall. "Life is a do-it-yourself project," someone has said attitudes and
the choices you make today, build the "house" you live in tomorrow.
Build wisely!
And remember...
Work like you don't need the money.
Love like you've never been hurt.
Dance like nobody is watching. |
