Some see a pile of bricks, while others see a cathedral.

Every morning, upon awakening, I begin a project. It is a lifelong project that will be built upon each day. The project is titled “Legacy” and we are all building one.

Essentially, I am given an enormous pile of bricks; the same amount of bricks as you, and the same amount as the next guy. It is my option what I am to do with these bricks. It is my right to place whatever value I wish on these bricks. I can complain about the mess, the dust, and the disarray, or I can mix mortar and blister my hands; either way, it’s a lot of bricks.

I am far from a mason, but I have laid my fair share of bricks. I am not particularly good at it, but I have worked with people who are. I know the motions that go into laying bricks. I can string a line, mix the mortar, butter the backs, and lay a few level, but the monotony, intricacy, and the corners leave me frustrated. I find myself in a hurry. I stop when the progress slows. I get bored and I want to take breaks. I want to take my lunch pale and just go home. Often times, I would rather have a paycheck and a weekend than to build a cathedral. I would rather sleep than work. I would rather complain than anticipate. I would rather compare what you have than construct what is mine to build.

The best masons are patient. TheirĀ focus and attention to detail allows them to enjoy the intricate and slow moving portions of the project all the same as the faster-paced, exciting portions of laying a long, level, line. They don’t show-off or move too quickly. Their mortar is mixed thoroughly and their tools are kept clean. Their work is their art, their pride, and their legacy. Their work is their name, their signature, their message left behind.

There are a lot of bricks and so little time. When my eyes open in the morning, it is time to go to work, for there is a legacy to be built. My bed is the mortar and the mortar must be made. It’s the foundation that’s important, the basics must be strong. Somedays, I lay many bricks and am proud of what I accomplished, and others I spend frustrated, searching all day for one keystone cut. Those days are to be expected, but the keystone is important. What seems like a wasted day is often an integral part of the structure; a necessary break; a lesson in disguise.

Be patient.

Mix thoroughly.

Lay a solid foundation.

Clean up your mess as quickly as possible. The longer it sits, the harder it gets, and the more difficult it is to clean.

Peace, Love, and all things Beef related,

Beefcake