Build Wisely
An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor 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 the
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.
Your attitudes and the choices you make today, build the "house" you live in
tomorrow.
Build wisely!