Bonus Reading: Matthew 6:25–33; Matthew 7:24–27

In Life as a House, George (Kevin Kline) has done poorly at both building his house and living his life. Although he's talked of demolishing the home he lives in and building a new one, he has never started. His dilapidated house sits wedged between the upscale homes of his neighbors.

Divorced and unable to connect with his angry, teenaged son, George has failed at most of his relationships. After being fired from his job, George collapses and is rushed to the hospital. As a nurse comes to his bedside, George asks, "What would you do if you had three or four months to live?"

The nurse responds in a playful manner, "I'd eat a lot of red meat." Then, more seriously, she asks what he would do.

"Build a house," George replies.

The nurse asks, "No one's really said that four months is all you have, have they?"

George replies, "Nobody's even pretended to offer treatment. So, you tell me, when would you start to … eat red meat?"

"Can you build a house in four months?"

"I can die trying."

"Good for you."

That summer, George enlists the help of his wayward son to demolish the old home and construct a new one. It becomes a redemptive activity. In the last months of his life, George builds much more than a house.

What "house" of yours needs building? No matter what our pasts have looked like, we all have unfulfilled hopes and dreams. If you knew you had only four months to live, how would you use it?

It is far too easy to let our lives drift away. We can spend all our time responding to circumstances rather than accomplishing what we believe is important. Our verse says that we are to always be enthusiastic about the Lord's work. In order to do that, we need to take time to figure out what his work is for us.

If you haven't already done so, take time to be quiet before the Lord to hear his instruction in your life. Only as we listen to his voice can we do his work. He may want you to call on a neighbor, write a letter, or literally build a house, but you won't know that until you take time to hear what he has to say.

Then, when you know what he wants you to do, do it enthusiastically. Don't give it your leftover time but give it your best. As we give of our time and resources joyfully, others take notice.

I know a retired couple who are spending their remaining years by participating in mission trips. Six months out of the year, they travel the continental United States and several places around the world in order to do construction and Bible study.

Another woman I know volunteers all her time at a local school. She tutors, helps kids bundle up and even does recess duty. As a result, many families have "adopted" her. A single woman, she joins various families for the holidays and is there for the big events of their lives, such as baptisms, weddings and funerals.

Only God knows what kind of "house" he has created you to build. What a joy when we put our hand to the task he has made us for.

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