Our home recently went through some remodeling. We have had quite a few workmen in and out of the house over the past few months. There were painters, plumbers, roofers, carpenters, carpet layers, electricians, etc. It was interesting to watch the transformation that came over our home as each of these tradesmen completed their work.
As our family inspected the improvements at the end of each job, we appreciated the fine craftsmanship and attention to detail that most of the workers displayed. It was apparent that they carefully finished their work to leave a good impression of their skills. Because of the fine reputations they establish, I am sure they enjoy continued success. And we continue to enjoy their beautiful handiwork as we live amidst the “finished product”—with one exception.
One of the groups of tradesmen has long since left our home, but the handiwork they left behind is careless, hurried, and messy. We live with it every day. Every day we admire the mark of excellence of the careful craftsmen and every day we lament the labors of those who didn’t care.
I am sure at the time, the careless workers were more concerned with what they had done the night before and what they were going to do that night. They did not worry about a little misstep here or a slight mistake there. Shortcuts in their quality were not considered. They just seemed to want to get in and out fast and get paid for the job. Well, obviously, the last group of tradesmen has left a lasting impression on me. Although they were nice people, I doubt I would recommend their work to anyone else.
This led me to consider myself. I put myself in the place of these sloppy workers and realized that there have been times in my life when I have been just like them. I have hurriedly finished (or even half-finished) a job just to be rid of it. I have not lived up to my best ability, so the impression that some people have of me is inaccurate. They will think my lackluster work was all that I was capable of doing. They will know me for a different person than I really am. It is disappointing to me that I have fallen short at times, but I have tried to be more careful as I have grown older. I know that the work I do and the image I portray leave a lasting impression on those around me.
An author named Katherine Porter said, “All our lives we are preparing to be something or someone, even if we don’t know it.”
I would ask the youth of today: “Who are you becoming? Will you be the respected craftsman or the careless worker?” It is really up to you to decide. But the world needs those who are willing to work a little harder, be a little better, and set a standard of excellence and goodness for others to follow.
I have learned it is not in one grandiose attempt that we become a craftsman, it is in our day-to-day efforts to learn and improve. For example, to achieve higher school grades, never miss a class, schedule time to study, invest special attention to assignments, and prepare for tests. When you do the daily tasks, the big end goals are accomplished. Work on the small things and great things come to pass.
Do your best in your classes, in your kindness, in your honest walk with others, in carrying out the responsibilities of your job, and in the things you enjoy—music, sports, art, science, dance, etc.
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