Saturday, I helped out with the volunteers from my wife's co-workers from Target. We worked on a house for the Brown family in a part of town where luxurious living is some what of an enigma. I saw numerous homes that were built by Habitat for Humanity in the neighborhood, and I was touched tremendously.




























All in all, I had a great time. I left with sore hands, stiff muscles, sawdust in places that I won't describe here, and an overwhelmed heart. It amazes me how little that goodness is promoted. I saw a group of people - not contractors, electricians, carpenters, or amateur do-it-yourself-ers. Separately, we would not make much of an impact on people or culture. Binding ourselves together in a spirit of community and hope, we were able to bring a project closer to completion that will be a home for someone that desperately needs it. I learned that a building is a structure that is systematically planned and deliberately constructed so that it can secure something or someone. I learned that a house is a building that offers people a place to live. I learned that a Habitat Home is a house that is insulated with love, hope, and peace. It is built on a foundation of compassion and gratitude. The nails are driven with grace and joy, and the roof is comprised of faith.

I spoke with people that were normal volunteers for Habitat, and the stories that I heard have changed my life. All of the volunteers that were on this job were gracious. I didn't hear any mumbling or complaining until the time neared that we were to go home. People wanted to stay and do more, but the time to leave had come.

I arrived at the work site with an attitude of cynicism. I wondered just how much that this would actually do for these people. I saw homes all around that were littered with garbage and visual examples of criminal activity. To be honest, I didn't want to give my time and valuable effort to someone that would mis-use it. I saw a few people that I was sure were there because they had to be. I was certain that one had received a home himself, and the other was there on court-ordered community service. My heart was crushed when I learned that they were there to just give what they had. My "christian" attitude was checked when I was shown the way to a true servant's heart.

Their language was not clean, and they each had a sketchy history. I heard stories of divorce and the aftermath of hatred that was left. I heard of mistakes that had been made, and lessons that were learned. I sat back and listened, unable to say much because of the breaking of my heart. I judged these people and had convicted them of immorality before I had even heard their voices. I have a lot to learn about being a servant, and these people have shown me that.

I look forward to helping on these homes on my weekends. For those of you that want to help, visit the website for Habitat for Humanity. Get involved in your community, and remember that every project that you help with doesn't have to be directed by your local church. Through volunteering at a soup kitchen, a homeless mission, or Habitat for Humanity, you can bring your local church with you. More importantly, you can bring the Master Carpenter - Jesus.

I intend to be there when they say "Welcome home, Brown family. Welcome Home."

What inspires you?