A true story of a carpenter.

An elderly carpenter who was ready to retire, told his employer his plans to leave the house building business to live a more leisurely life with his wife and enjoyed his extended family. He would miss the pay-cheque each week, but he wants to retire. The employer was sorry to see his good work go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favour. The carpenter agreed and started working on the last project of his life. Since, it was his last project, he worked half-heartedly. He said goodbye to overtime... He did not consider to find the best cement mixture. He did not consider having a swimming pool in this project. He did not use quality wood for doors. The forniture was not of good quality... The employer called the carpenter in his office and gave the keys of this newly built house to the carpender saying..."This is my gift to you for your such recommendable service over 15 years". 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 realise 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 every day you hammer a nail, place a board or erect a wall. Someone once said, "life is a do-it-yourself project", your attitude and the choices you make today, help build the house you live in tomorrow. Therefore, you should build wisely.


Piece removed from one of my English lessons.