...OK, it was a tree house.  

Still though, it was a project for sure.  I drove a Phillips head bit at full spin into the inside of my hand right at the top knuckle of my middle finger. Then, I thought, "well, I'll only do that once" right before I switched bits and did it again in the middle of my palm.
 
I'm relatively handy.  Relative to people who are completely incompetent, I'm like a 7.   

Anyway, I thought about you while I was in the tree trying to wedge my drill in between tree limbs and marginally well measured 2x4s.   

I was actually thinking about how most of us build our lives.   

I had a picture in mind when I started this project, but things changed at nearly every task.  
 
The screws were too long for one use, so I had a choice.  Do I do this the lazy way and drill the screw only partially into the wood?  Do I go all the way back to the store for a perfect match to the screws I had but at the right length?   

I opted for using some screws I already had that were ideal in size and type, but didn't match in color. (It is a tree house.)   

As I was adjusting my plan at every obstacle yet hoping to end with the same design as I had originally envisioned, I thought about how life is the exact same way.   

Is your life turning out the way you had envisioned?
 
Is it better?
 
Have you had to make some really tough choices?
 
What values or principles do you use to help you make those choices? 

My filter for tree house choices was pretty basic.
1. Is it safe for my kids?
2. Is it in the budget?
3. Am I capable of pulling this off?
 
In life, this is much tougher.  I try to follow something more like this:
1. Does it glorify God?
2. Does it serve my wife and children?
3. Does everyone involved benefit?
4. Is this wise in both the short and long term?
5. Will this contribute to the legacy I want to leave? 

So, I didn't build an entire house this weekend.  I haven't built my entire life yet either.  I do make adjustments along the way as we all do.  I also don't want to compromise on the original vision.  
 
If you too want to live a life of purpose, meaning, and impact please don't ever give up.  Make the hard choices along the way based on your values and keep working at it.   

Have an incredible week,
 
Your friend in the real estate business,
Todd Tramonte
214.216.2161 

P.S. I'm adding the oxford comma for a friend (MP) and am still not sure about it.  
 
P.P.S. Our team is breaking all sorts of records for home sellers and buyers in this insane market. Next time you are in a conversation and the topic of selling or buying a home comes up, would you get out your phone and call us?  We'll always be glad to help you!