Ethical Stories: What GoesAround Comes Around! (Carpenter Story)

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire, and he told his boss of his
plans to leave and live a more leisurely life with his wife. He would
miss the paycheck, he could get by, but he needed to retire.
The contractor was sorry to see such a good worker go, and he asked
the carpenter to 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 notin his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used
inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end adedicated
career.
When the carpenter finished his work, the contractor came to inspect
the house. He handed the front-door key to the carpenter."This is your
house," contractor said. "It is 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
haveto live in the house we have built.
If we could do it over, wewould do it much differently. But we cannot go back...
You are the carpenter of your life. Each day you hammer a nail, place
a board, or erect a wall. Your attitudes and the choices you make
today build your "house" for tomorrow...