At the end of the week, the carpenter was putting his final touches on the new desk when Michael walked into his office. The desk was magnificent. He was speechless as he marveled at the carpenter’s talent, and wondered how someone could create such beauty with pieces of wood. After a long pause he asked in a quiet voice, “How do you do what you do?”

The carpenter smiled. “It’s because I know who I am.”

“Of course you do. You are J. Emmanuel, a craftsman masquerading as a carpenter,” Michael said with a big smile.

“It’s more than that,” said the carpenter. “I know that I’m not a human being having a spiritual experience. I’m a spiritual being having a human experience. While I have a body, it is my soul and spirit that power me. Artists create from the depths of their souls. An artist is moved by the spirit. I know who I am, and I know the power that moves me to create.”

Then he paused and rubbed his hand along the smooth surface of the desk. “You know we can all create with this power, but too many people have forgotten who they truly are. Two thousand years ago there was no separation between someone’s work life and spiritual life. Now we separate them and wonder why people are so miserable. Work is meant to be a spiritual experience, not a daily chore and a grind. All work is sacred. Everything is spiritual. When you bring your spirit to work you will become a powerful builder of success.”

Then with a big smile on his face the carpenter gestured for Michael to come sit in his chair at his new desk. The moment Michael sat down he could feel there was something different about the desk, and he knew everything the carpenter was saying was true. “Wow,” was all he could say.

“Yes,” J. continued. “When you realize everything is spiritual, you don’t just build great things, you build with great power. Whether it’s a team, a business, a school, or software, your spirit and soul should define all that you build. Your work should be a reflection of the very best within you. You are meant to create and build from the depths of your soul. When you build in this way, it will be one of the most powerful, amazing experiences you’ll ever have.

“People will ask you how you did it, and it will be hard to explain. But your work and effort won’t need an explanation. Like this desk, your spirit and soul will be on display for the entire world to see, and they’ll know there’s something different about you. They’ll know there’s something more powerful moving in you. Most will think that you are special, and there’s no way they can create like you can. Some will realize this gift is meant for everyone and they can do it too. They’ll ask you how it’s done and you’ll tell them because success is meant to be shared, and if they listen and follow your advice, together you’ll build great things and change the world.”

The carpenter then walked toward Michael and gave him a hug good-bye. “You are ready, my friend, to build even greater things. I have shared with you all that I know and I’m excited for you and your future. Please come see me and let me know how the next few weeks go. I’m expecting to hear great things.”

“I will,” said Michael, who in that moment didn’t share the carpenter’s optimism. As he thought about what he still had to do to save his company, he felt more fearful and less spiritual than ever.