An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer¹-contractor² of his plans to leave the house-building business to live a more leisurel life with his wife and enjoy his extended³ family. He would miss the paycheck each week, but he wanted 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 over time it was easy to see that his heart was not materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated⁴ career.

 

When the carpenter finished his work, his employer came to inspect the house. Then he handed the front-door key to the carpenter and said, "This is your house... 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 would do it much differently.

 

But, you cannot go back. You are the carpenter, and everyday you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect⁵ a wall. Someone once said, "Life is a do-it-yourself project." Your attitude and the choices you made today, help build the "house" you will live in tomorrow. Therefore, build wisely!

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