By Staff
A few weeks ago I was in the grocery store trying to find something quick and easy to feed my family for dinner. It had been a long, draining day and I was feeling tired and discouraged.
Most days my work as executive director of the Greater Brewton Habitat for Humanity is energizing and enjoyable but occasionally some of the nitty -gritty details of being in ministry with less-than-perfect people (and that includes all of us!) can get discouraging.
As I was going about my shopping with sagging shoulders and a sagging spirit, I heard a cheerful voice behind me say, &#8220Hello, Ms. Alecia!”
I turned around to see Carol Barton, future homeowner of Greater Brewton Habitat for Humanity house No. 11, which is the house we are currently renovating at 818 Conoley Avenue.
I recognized Carol immediately because she and her 12-year-old son, Jerrick, have spent nearly every Saturday for the past six months putting in their &#8220sweat equity” hours by working on other Habitat houses.
After we exchanged hugs, I told her that although we had taken a few weeks off, we were about to get busy working on her house again.
When I mentioned &#8220her house,” her smile got even larger, tears filled her eyes, and she said, &#8220Oh, Ms. Alecia, it is just such a blessing!”
She went on to tell me how sometimes she and Jerrick go park in the driveway of the house that we are remodeling for them and just stare at the house imagining what it will be like to live there.
After this brief conversation with Carol, I went home with more than just a sack of groceries; I went home with renewed energy, enthusiasm and commitment to this ministry to which God has called me.
Carol had reminded me that although our work of building houses and building lives may occasionally feel like a burden, it is really a blessing!
The book of Genesis in the Bible repeatedly implies that God's people have been blessed in order to be a blessing to others.
Most new Habitat volunteers are motivated by their desire to be a blessing to someone in need by helping to build houses.
But experienced Habitat volunteers know a secret: when we unselfishly give our time and resources to help someone else, we are blessed!
Want to be a blessing to someone else? Need a blessing in your own life?
You can accomplish both at the same time by helping to build houses and build lives in partnership with the Greater Brewton Habitat for Humanity.
Call or e-mail our office for information on how you can help (251-867-0095; habitat@fumcbrewton.org)
The Rev. Alecia C. Glaize is executive director of Greater Brewton Habitat for Humanity.