A Story....

I'd like to share a story which I think expresses a very important message to us all. I believe that it's more like a parable than a true story, but nevertheless, it speaks volumes to me. I hope you can gain some inspiration from it also....

"A tired carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer of his plans to retire and leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife and family.

The contractor was sorry to see his experienced worker go and asked if he could
build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter reluctantly said "yes", but his heart was not in his work. He rushed and used inferior materials.

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. If we could do it over, we'd do it much differently. But we cannot go back.

You are a carpenter. What are you building? Each day you hammer a nail, add a room or paint a wall. "Life is a do-it-yourself project," Your attitudes and the choices you make today, build the "house" you live in tomorrow. Build wisely!

Don't be mediocre in the way you love and serve others. Love smart with your heart and don't settle for less, mess and stress in your relationships. Build a life of peace, love, harmony, joy, faith, love and excellence. Be above average in your work performance, the way you dress, speak, pray and play. Strive for quality instead of seeking short cuts and below average living. Grow wise in your habits, emotions, spending and health choices. Walk, talk, live and love at your best whether someone sees you or not. Let your light shine bright in ALL that you do. Polish up your image and your living space. Don't compromise your character. Sow cheap, reap cheap. Sow quality, reap quality. Do your best whether or not you get credit and recognition. God sees your sincere efforts and hears your prayers. BUILD righteously and be blessed beyond your wildest dreams." by Jewel Diamond Taylor

http://freefromexpectations.blogspot.com/