If you’re one of the few who makes a living doing what you love—then take note. You’re a very lucky person. The majority of people are stuck in dead-end jobs, dreading each day but going to work because they simply have to. One carpenter was one of the lucky people–but he didn’t quite realize what that meant until it was too late.
Inspiration Peak shared this story about a carpenter’s final job.
Read his story below.
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.
The lesson? Have pride in whatever you choose to do. Even if you’re not working at your dream job, find a way to enjoy it. There is always experience to be gained, knowledge to accumulate and skill to master. Always strive to do your best because you never know what will result.
“Lazy people want much but get little, but those who work hard will prosper.” – Proverbs 13:4
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