Thursday, January 7, 2010

Building Quality

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife and family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire.

The employer 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 it was easy to see that his heart was not in it. He resorted to shoddy workmanship. It was an unfortunate way to end his career.

When the carpenter finished his work, his employer came to inspect the house and afterwards handed the front-door key to the carpenter. "This is your house," the employer said, "my gift to you for your years of quality workmanship."

The carpenter was shocked and ashamed. If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.


MORAL OF THE STORY:

Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think of your life as a house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board or erect a wall, so build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build.

-- Author Unknown

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