A master carpenter named Howard was ready to retire. He told his boss Romuald that he wanted to leave and spend his final years with his family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire.
Romuald was sorry to see Howard go but asked one last favor. "Could you build just one more house?" Howard agreed, but wasn't really excited about doing it, he just wanted to leave already. He did not put his heart into the job, working carelessly and using substandard materials. The result was horrible.
Howard finished his work and Romuald, after inspecting the house, handed a key to the astonished carpenter. "Here, Howard, is the key to your house," he said, "as my gift for your years of wonderful work for me." Howard was is shock as he looked at the inferior interiors.
How do we build our lives? You are the carpenter who will build your own house. Each day, you hammer a nail, assemble a panel, place a board, or install a wall. Are you happy with what you have done or would you have done it differently given another chance? Life is a do-it-yourself project. Build wisely by mastering your day-by-day life. Remember, your life is the only life you will ever build.
Your life today is the result of your attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.