An elderly contractor was ready to retire. He told his employer of his plans to leave the house-building business and to lead a more leisurely life with his wife and his extended family. His employer was sorry to see his best worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favour. The contractor agreed but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career. When the contractor finished his work, the employer came to inspect the house. He handed the front-door key to the contractor.

The contractor 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 realise that we have to live in the house we have built. If we could do it over, we'd do it much differently. But we cannot go back. You are your own contractor. Each day you hammer a nail, saw a plywood or erect a wall. "Life is a do-it-yourself project," someone once said. Your attitudes and the choices you make today, build the "house" you live in tomorrow. Build wisely!