Are you proud of what you're building?

Not too long ago, I semi-retired from my life as a wedding photographer. I say "semi" because I still get asked now and again to shoot, and I have a hard time saying No.

Having shot over 600 weddings, I have heard a LOT of priests, pastors, rabbis, and other ordained dignitaries giving their advice to committed couples on their big day.

Most all of these "sage words of wisdom" were sadly forgettable...with one exception. 

It was a young priest who probably read the story somewhere in some motivational manual and didn't know how powerful this story would be not only to the couple but to the young photographer who called the priest the next day to get the story so he could share it with his boys (which I did).

Now, because we're friends, I'd like to share this with you. 

You've probably heard it, but I'm guessing that it will still be good to hear again - most good stories are.

An elderly carpenter was getting ready to retire.

He told his employer his plans to live a quieter life and spend more time with his wife, kids, and grandkids. 

He would miss the paycheck, of course, but the time was right, and he was ready to hang up the hammer.

His boss was disappointed as the carpenter had been a loyal and diligent worker for many years, and he was sad to see him go. He asked for one last favor, requesting that the carpenter build just one more house before retiring.

The carpenter reluctantly 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. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

When the carpenter finished his work, his boss came to inspect the house. He handed the front door key to the carpenter. "This is your house," he said, "my gift to you."

Though this story has been told for decades, it's a great one for young couples on the verge of their new life together, preparing to build something great.
As business owners, we're building something too...a legacy.

We're all building every day, and it's up to us if we choose to create something that will last or something won't. The choice is always ours.

Take a moment to reflect on your business today. Is it something you're proud of? Are you using your best craftsmanship? It's never too late to shift a bit and start making things better.​

Have a wonderful weekend, my friend, and don't forget that no matter what you do, you're always building. Make something beautiful!