Day 34. Thinking Like a Servant

Day 34. Thinking Like a Servant

I don’t have many heros. One of them is Jeff Carter who was the first construction manager I bumped into at Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bridgeport (Connecticut). Jeff had his own construction and restoration company. He was a young man, in his twenties, but he was still a master carpenter. There was nothing he couldn’t tackle. He first worked Saturdays, then a few more hours, then 20 out of his 60 hour week for Habitat. It wasn’t long before he was volunteering 40 hours and making a living on 20. What we accomplished, what we learned!

Jeff was blessed, too. He met his future wife working at Habitat. But he eventually burned himself out, or was he just following God’s plan? Jeff redirected his efforts toward putting his wife through veterinary school. He on occasion led a blitz build for the affiliate, but we didn’t see him much, that is until his spouse was established in her practice. When that happened, Jeff showed back up as full time construction manager of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Bridgeport. He had put his own company on hold. Unfortunately, I had moved away by that time.

Jeff Carter is my hero. If a hero is one whose values, whose actions, whose purposes one aspires to emulate, then Jeff is mine. Jeff was selfless, driven to serve others and the Lord Jesus Christ. When we would pray in our opening devotionals or at board gatherings, there was an aura about Jeff. He was connected. His life work showed that connection. Jeff lived for others. He was a steward. He certainly did not compare himself to others in his trade. He based who he was on another carpenter. And he selflessly thought of building houses for people in need as an opportunity not an obligation.

I could end this writing with an “Amen” because I realize Jeff’s life was a prayer.

Blessings, Jeff, and to all of you.

Rick