A Norvell Note: Building a Life

October 25, 2026 – Vol. 30 No. 39

One of my favorite pieces of music—if not my absolute favorite—is “I Built Myself a Life,” the main theme from the movie *Life as a House*. The film follows a man who, after being diagnosed with incurable cancer, is determined to rebuild his relationship with his son. I’ve returned to this thoughtful 5-minute, 49-second clip hundreds of times, and it continues to resonate with me. 

I’ve listened to this music on long, reflective walks, thinking through life’s ups and downs. I’ve also sat in quiet rooms, letting its gentle sound help me find peace and calm. Once, I listened as I drove down Lookout Mountain into Chattanooga after a wedding, and the timing felt just right. It’s a beautiful tune for reflecting on the life God and I are building together. 

It is good to spend time thinking about the life God wants to build with us. Jesus told a story about building a life. 

“These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.

“But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.” (Matthew 7:24-27, The Message)

Is God helping you build your life? If so, that’s wonderful. And if not, it’s never too late to ask Him for help. Jesus’ story offers a clear picture of the consequences of both choices. 

I encourage you to set aside a little quiet time to let God’s word settle into your heart and help you build—or rebuild—a life firmly grounded on the rock.

I love you.

Tom

A Norvell Note © Copyright 2026 Tom Norvell. All Rights Reserved