Building a House

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his boss of his plans to leave his job and live a more leisurely life with his wife and family. He would miss the paycheck, but they could get by.

The contractor was sorry to see such a worker go, so 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. The house was not up to his usual standards. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

When the carpenter finished his work, the contractor came by, but instead of inspecting the house, he handed the carpenter the front door key and said, “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 look at the situation we have created and find that we are now living 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… It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, build wisely!