Building Your House

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He had been a fine craftsman building many houses over his career. All the house owners were proud to live in the beautiful houses he built.

The carpenter told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business. He wanted to live a more leisurely life with his wife and enjoy his extended family. Sure he would miss the paycheck each week, but he had some savings and the children were all grown up. They would chip in so he and his wife could get by.

The contractor was sorry to see his best worker go. But he was happy for the carpenter too that he could have more time to enjoy life with his wife.

As a personal favor, the contractor asked if the elderly carpenter could build just one more house before retirement. The carpenter hesitated, but eventually said yes.

The carpenter started building the last house the very next day. He started enthusiastically, determined to build one final masterpiece. Over time though, he longed for the retirement. It was easy to see that his heart was no more in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was really an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

When the carpenter finished his work, the contractor came to inspect the house. Then he handed the front-door key to the carpenter and said, “This is your house… my gift to you.”

The carpenter was in shock!

What a shame! If he had only known…