A gift from the heart

Habitat for Humanity volunteers raising a house.

To my surprise, Peter enjoys volunteering with the Habitat for Humanity on many levels. Of course he's gratified in the knowledge that in a small way he is building not just a home, but a life for a family who will occupy it. And meeting recently the young couple and their 4 children makes it now a very personal mission for him.

That is not the surprising part. What amazes me is his total commitment and dedication. For someone practically unfamiliar with physical labor and not used to being managed, he took to his duties like duck to water. He ravels in the camaraderie of the volunteers and enjoys learning new skills. He comes home after a long shift on the construction site, exhausted, sore, dirty, sweaty, parched...and absolutely exhilarated. In solidarity with his "peeps", he reaches for a cold beer, rather than his customary glass of wine. He talks studs and plumb lines and joists with a sparkle in his eyes. He feels rejuvenated and appreciated.

Just goes to prove that giving is always better than receiving...