Priorities

In our families, our homes, and our careers, we want to be successful and be recognized for our achievements.  With so many pressures coming from different directions, its sometimes a confusing and troubling task to put the many facets of our lives in an order that makes sense.  When I struggle with these issues, I remember a story my father, owner of an architectural firm, once relayed to me. 

One day, one of his employees walked into his office to talk.  He told my father, “All I want in life is to be a great architect.”

My father, an accomplished architect and community leader himself, ask the young man, “Would you give your life for your wife?“  The employee, married only a year, thought a moment and said, “Yes, yes, I would.”  My father asked, “Would you give your life to be a great architect?”  His employee thought again and said, “No.”

We all want to be great at what we do, and it’s easy to get caught up in pursuing this goal and that dream.  In doing so, though, we must strive to keep our priorities in order, whatever they may be.  To do that, think about the things that are most important to you and ask yourself that  same question.  You’ll know what you truly want out of life when you know how much it’s worth to you.