Bricks

Im reading a book called, chop wood carry water. The TLDR version of the book is to fall in love with the process, not the result. The book uses a series of stories and tales to tell an eloquent story of a man pursuing his dream of becoming a samurai archer. One of the stories he tells is about a house builder, this is that story.

There was a homebuilder who was considered to be one of the best of his time, who built homes for a single company for his entire career. He was known for his meticulousness. He left no stone unturned, used the highest quality materials, and ensured that his company could have the highest standard in the market. He was so well known for his quality that losing him to retirement would be a huge blow to the company, but the time came for him to move on. After speaking with the owner and setting his final day, the owner had one last request. He asked if he could build one more home, as a final parting favor to the owner and the company. Distraught, the homebuilder oblidged.

The terrible thing was though, that he begrudgingly accepted. He was looking forward to being in retirement and already had shifted his mindset to being done working. So, although he had a storied and incredible career building homes for this company, this home was not a high priority for him. He begin the home with one thing in mind, the end. So, instead of taking his time, doing what he would normally do, and ensuring that the highest quality was put into this house. He cut corners. He chose the faster path. He used cheaper materials and didn't focus on or ensure anything other than getting to the finish line as fast as possible.

Upon final completion of the house, the builder was elated. He could finally relax, he could finally retire. He walked into the owners office and with a grin on his face, he told the owner he was done. The owner was grateful. He expressed his gratitude to the builder and thanked him for his many years of service and dedication to his craft. As the builder turned around and headed for his final goodbye, the owner said "WAIT! I have one more thing." Angry, the builder turned around and said, "I'm not building another house." To which the owner responded, "It's not a request, it's a gift." As the owner handed the builder a small box. The builder unwrapped the box and opened it to find a set of keys. Not just any keys, the keys to the final house that he built. The owner said, "For all your dedication and commitment we want to give you the final house you've built!" While this normally would be a time of celebration, for the builder it was a time a despair. Although he was getting a free house, he knew the ins and outs of that house. He knew where he skipped steps, overlooked details, and rushed through to the finish line.

I think that this story is a representation of our lives. Each day we are presented with a chunk of clay. Every morning we take that clay and begin the slow and tedious process of forming it into a brick. Then, by the end of the day we take that brick and place it on the eventual house that is our life. I think we often forget this. Each day is an opportunity to lay another brick, to build a stronger house, to focus on improving. Thats not to say that every day your bricks will be pretty. Not every brick will be uniform, nor will everyday be easy to mold that clay. The goal is to to keep showing up. Keep working towards building that house. Progress is not linear. There will be many setbacks and many struggles, sometimes even starting from scratch. Each day the sun will continue to rise and fall and everyday we are presented with a new ball of clay. Each day the clock resets (more on this to come soon, New Years article) and is an opportunity. An opportunity to improve, and an opportunity to be grateful.

So, when you take a look back on your life, 20, 30, 40 years from now... you can take a look back at the house you've built. The relationships that have come and gone, the friendships that have come and gone, the impact you left on people's lives, and the progress you made. When you take a look at the house that you built, you realize that you were the one who laid the bricks. You were the one who molded the clay. You can't point the finger to anyone else but yourself. So, the question is... what are the bricks you are laying? And will you decide to mold them the way you want, to build the house you desire, before it's too late?

On purpose,

Matt