For some time I’ve wanted to participate in Good Works, but often felt
that it would be better for my husband Chip to go instead, as he is more
accustomed to the hammer and nail routine. However, a few moms from the St.
Peters mom’s group decided that it was our turn to serve. So on a bright and
chilly Saturday in November, Meg Bleecker, Amanda Brightman,
Kathleen Hester, Larisa Leon and Kim Colvin left the
kids home with their Dads, and ventured out to Good Works.
I’ll admit I was a little nervous about what I could contribute. I’ve
followed Chip around for years handing him tools, holding things in place,
running to Home Depot for more supplies, and cleaning up after he’s done the
work. Typically that is where my help ended. But at Good Works, after a
quick lesson from Jason Hacker and lots of encouragement from Dan Houston
and Hugh Mc Lennan, I was able to tape and “mud” the wall in Mrs. Robinson’s
bedroom. Kathleen and Larisa and tackled the kitchen with spackle, primer
and paintbrush in hand to give it new life. Meg and Amanda braved the chilly
autumn wind, to scrape, and paint the windows on the front and back porch
areas.
I had a truly wonderful time (although I’m a little stiff and sore today)
and really enjoyed learning more about my fellow St. Peter’s parishioners.
In addition to learning some practical skills, I learned a lot more: that I
can personally make a difference in someone else’s life. In the Good Works
program, this “someone” isn’t abstract- you actually get to know them. In
our case the person was Mrs. Catherine Robinson, who has lived in her home
for over 50 years. Mrs. Robinson showed Dan and I her family bible- a
beautiful, well loved family heirloom filled with memories of both her
childhood and also the raising of her own children.
Spending the day together helping others made me realize how truly blessed
we are. It is sometimes easy to forget all that we have been given and all
we have to be thankful for. Good Works is a concrete way (no pun intended)
to give to others and see first hand the results of your efforts. It made me
appreciate and thank God for the many blessing in my life.
So from now on, on the 2nd Saturday of each month, Chip and I will have to
flip a coin to see which of us gets to go to the workday. I might not be as
handy as Chip, but I’m getting there. Why don't you consider joining us-
there’s a lot of work to be done. Even if you aren’t a construction/home
repair expert, there are many who will teach you and support you along the
way.
