Early in his life, Kenzo got a job at a local Japanese construction company that built houses. He started out as a laborer. Kenzo’s, work ethic was second to none. All the guys on the job site liked him cause he was always on time, worked hard, and stayed late to learn from those that framed and did carpentry.
Eventually, Kenzo’s boss gave him a shot as an intern to learn how to frame and build houses. He loved it. He enjoyed making something from nothing and took pride in his work. Kenzo stayed with the company for years and worked his way up the ladder. As a matter of fact, after 40 years with the company, he advanced all the way up just under the owner of the company.
One day, after decades of working for the company, he just felt it was time to retire and enjoy the final chapter of his life. He gave notice to the companies owner that he planned to retire. His boss pleaded with him. Please Kenzo, I have the blueprints for just one more house. Kenzo reluctantly agreed as his heart was already checked out and set to retirement.
Kenzo showed up to the build site a half hour late. This was something out of the ordinary for Kenzo. His heart wasn’t in it. He didn’t pay attention to the details as he had always done before before. He took an hour lunch as he ate his sandwich focused only on getting through the day and getting the house built.
Finally the day came. He finished the house. The code enforcement came by to inspect the house. The inspector was shocked as it barely passed code. The inspector said, Kenzo? Did you build this house? Kenzo shrugged and said, Yeah. The inspector nodded and walked off disappointed that the house barely passed code.
His last day came. He marched into the office to receive his finally bonus and paycheck. He happily took his payment and bonus, said his goodbye’s and turned his back as he walked to his new life of retirement. Right as Kenzo was about to walk out the door, the owner called out to him, Hey Kenzo, wait…
Kenzo turned to see his boss holding two shiny keys in his hands as he dropped them in the hands of Kenzo. Thank you Kenzo, for your life of service to the company. The house you just built, its yours…
Kenzo’s heart dropped. He has halfheartedly built the house and now regretted not doing his best as he had always done. Had he known the house was his, he would have done his very best!
The moral of the story is this. We are always building up our lives. There is no time outs. Whatever we do, we do it to our best capability and effort. If we don’t live each day doing our best, we might regret it later.
