The Dream House
Hopeful dreamed about the day when he could finally build his dream house. He saved for years and thought about it constantly. It would have a large wrap-around porch for his family, a spiral staircase leading to an upstairs media room where he envisioned watching lots of movies with his family and friends.
He had almost saved enough money to begin the project. Eagerly, he went to the banker, only to find out that he didn’t have quite enough money to begin. He would have to wait. Discouraged Hopeful turned away.
But then he found the opportunity of a life time. An acquaintance introduced him to Subtle, who showed him significant ways to reduce costs by wiring the electricity with less expensive products. Some did not meet building code requirements, but Subtle convinced him that the codes were too strict and unnecessary. “No one will ever know,” he insisted, “especially since the electrical wiring will be concealed behind walls.” When Hopeful considered the savings, he realized that they were so large that he could begin building long before he could otherwise afford.
Hopeful was excited. He began making plans and soon the foundation was poured. The beams went up. The house was wired and then the real fun began. The walls were covered with faux finishes only a decorator could do. A media room was installed that would compete with the finest.
Hopeful invited his friends and family over. Celebrations were held. Movies were watched. Fellowship was shared. His dream was built. He was having the time of his life.
But then…
The electrical wires began to fray. But Hopeful didn’t notice. The walls hid the evidence.
His friend, Concern, who knew better, asked one day, “How are you able to afford such a nice property?”
“I cut a few corners,” Hopeful admitted.
Concern was an electrician. “You should tear the walls down and replace the wiring,” he urged. “You stand at great risk to lose everything that you have worked to build.”
Hopeful thought about Concern’s advice. Maybe I should do something, he thought. But then Carefree called and wanted to join him in fellowship at his house. Maybe someday.
A few months later, Concern asked if he had thought about tearing out the original wiring. “Not yet,” he admitted, “but nothing has happened. Really…my house is fine.”
Concern’s advice kept ringing in Hopeful’s ears. But he didn’t want to take the time to make things right. I’m having too much fun, he thought. Besides, what are the odds?
So Hopeful ignored Concern’s advice and continued with his fellowship. He and Carefree had by now become very close. Since he met her, he was having more fun than he ever imagined possible.
But then…
Tragedy struck.
The circuits were overloaded and when Hopeful least expected it, a fire broke out. Sparks began to sizzle. He thought he had the fire under control but soon it spread beyond management. He had to vacate the property and call for help. But before help could arrive, it was too late. Hopeful watched as orange and red tongues engulfed his dream. The house burnt to the ground and everything he had worked so hard to build was completely destroyed. Hopeful was devastated.
As he surveyed the damage and wept over the loss of his dream house, he consoled himself with the fact that he at least had insurance. But when he submitted his claim, the insurance company refused to pay. Since he had not built his property according to code, they were not liable. Hopeful was forced to not only clean up the enormous debris left behind by the fire, but he had lost his entire investment.
Now he would have to start completely over.
Concern arrived on the scene to help with the rebuilding. Concern was the only friend who had warned him to correct the error in the first place, but he never said, “I told you so.” Instead he guided him with instruction and reassured him that he could start over and do it right this time. Then he gave him a builder’s manual.
The cleanup took much longer to complete than Hopeful expected. There were obstacles, delays and extra expenses that he was not prepared for. The task was difficult. The hardest part was trying to deal with his memories of all the fun times he had at his house and especially fellowshipping with Carefree. Each time he drove to work, he had to pass by his old house. Seeing pictures of Carefree and his old house brought him to tears. He often caught himself daydreaming about the past. Each time he would scold himself for being so stupid that he ignored Concern’s advice. It was hard not to be jealous when he drove down the street, especially when he saw other families outside having fun. He thought about how long it would take before he could afford to build again. Sometimes he was tempted to cut corners again. But each time he brought up the subject, Concern was there to encourage him to build it the right way.
When the cleanup was final, he moved into a small apartment and began saving his money again. With Concern’s advice, Hopeful was determined to do everything right this time. He worked and saved and worked and saved. Finally, he had enough money to rebuild his dream house, complete with the wrap-around porch, the spiral staircase and the media room for entertaining.
Hopeful pulled out the manual that Concern had given him. He read it again and again. Its rules were simple but unrelenting. Even though he was sure that he could build on his own, he asked Concern to help him oversee the construction of his new house. He agreed. The house was more expensive to build this time, but Hopeful considered the investment a wise one. He wanted to make certain his dream house was secure.
When he finished building, Hopeful was very happy. Just as before, he desired to share his dream house with others, but this time, something was different. He invited many people to come see his new house. But instead of entertaining for the sake of pleasure, he had it in his heart to fellowship with a purpose. He wanted others to know the perils of building a house with faulty wiring. He wanted to warn others so that they wouldn’t make the same mistakes as he had made.
The joy that he found in helping others was tremendous. His mess had turned into a message. Hopeful was finally filled with hope and he was very satisfied. Not only had he built his own dream house, now he was helping others build theirs too.
"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." Matthew 7:24-27
So, here's what I'd love to hear your comments on: In this story, what did the dream house represent in your life?
Posted on
Sun, February 15, 2009
by Christy Johnson
filed under