Making an Omelette out of Humpty Dumpty
There are certain stepping-stones one experiences during a typical lifetime. Places and times in which we learn or discover something that helps shape who we are and how we view the world. They enable us to ensure our moral compass is always set to North. If these stones are built upon fundamentally sound, universally accepted & morally defensible precepts – then you will find the stones to be strong and able to withstand the occasional & inevitable stumbles we all incur from time to time. For the vast majority of us, the early stepping-stones are built and taught to us by our parents. Sometimes with varying degrees of success. Eventually, theoretically – we move away from home and our parents, taking the stepping-stones they were able to sink into our skulls, thick with youth and the impervious mindset that accompanies it…
At some point after you’ve left home the onus on constructing new stepping-stones falls largely upon you, ensuring that you are always moving forward and up, trying in some way be it large or small to make you, just a little bit better. The opportunity presents itself through various way, sometimes its people you may use or consider as mentors – but there will be plenty of times in which the lessons come directly from you and only you, some experience you’ve had. The trick is in being able to recognize one of these opportunities when they present themselves and use it to your advantage.. That is my plan for dealing with all my medical drama when it’s finally over… I don’t know exactly what the lesson is yet but I’ll be looking for it…. otherwise, whats the point of having gone through all this, I need to be able to take something positive away from it because I wont accept the fact that there is nothing to be learned here, this hasn’t just been a 3 or 4 year speed bump in my life…
In that vein, here is a stepping stone from me to you…. one I found awhile ago and heartily embrace, I hope you find it as valuable as I did…
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 enjoying his family. He would miss the paycheck, but he knew it was time to retire. They could get by. The contractor 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 in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work.
He resorted to Shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials, clearly not at all interested in making his final project equal to all the quality he was known for throughout his employment. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career. When the carpenter finished his work the employer came to inspect the house. He then handed the front-door keys to the carpenter. “This is your house” he said, “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 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 the carpenter. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a Wall. “Life is a do-it-yourself project” someone has said . Your attitudes and the choices you make today, build the “house” you live in tomorrow. So Build wisely!
Have a Great Day