Inspiration  •  JUNE 28, 2009
PDF Print E-mail

The Carpenter

submitted by Karen Kauffeld, RN
Author Unknown

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!

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 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! Work like you don't need the money. Love like you've never been hurt. Dance like nobody is watching.
 

Search

Email Your Stories

Please accept our invitation to present your impressions about this topic in our discussion forum, "What's On Your Mind Matters." Why not share your inspirational stories or poems with us? Email them to Barry Bittman, MD. Who knows? ... perhaps one day the treasure you create or discover will serve as a great inspiration to others.

Featured Products

New Document

Fight for your Life
Fight for your Life

[DVD] Fight for your Life : Survival techniques for people with cancer. A powerful step-by-step program for...more

Price: $42.95
In Stock: Yes

Healing Gift Set
Healing Gift Set

The gift that lasts longer than flowers and provides inspiration and hope for healing. This collection...more

Price: $48.95
In Stock: Yes

Help Me to Heal
Help Me to Heal

[Book] Help Me To Heal by Bernie Siegel, MD and Yosaif August. A practical guide book for patients, visitors...more

Price: $13.95
In Stock: Yes