An elderly carpenter was ready to retire so he informed the contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business. The carpenter would miss the paycheck, but he wanted to live a more leisurely life with his wife and spend more time with his grandkids.
The contractor was understandably sorry to see one of his best workers go, but asked if he would be willing to build just one more house as a personal favor before retiring. Although the carpenter agreed, over time it became obvious that his heart was not really in the project. His workmanship was shoddy and he even resorted to using inferior materials. It was a rather unfortunate way to finish a long, dedicated career.
After the carpenter had completed the job, his employer stopped by to inspect the house. The contractor simply handed the carpenter the key to the front door and said, "This is your house…my gift to you."
The carpenter was stunned...and his heart immediately filled with regret. If only he had known that he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.
So, it is with us. We construct our lives, one day at a time, often putting less than our best effort into the process. Then, years go by before coming to the astonishing realization that we must live in the house we have built. Alas, if we could do it over, we'd do it much differently.
But time is only spent, never saved. We can only choose how we use the time we have.
We are the carpenter. Every day we "hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall." It can be said that, "Life is a do-it-yourself project." The attitudes and choices of today build the "house" you live in tomorrow, so build wisely!