It's late Thursday night in New Orleans, and it's warmer outside than it is at noon on a sunny Connecticut spring day. I, Corinne Hirotsu, am really enjoying this weather, along with my new rolled-up-t-shirt-sleeve tan. Today we did some demolition, put up some drywall, and worked a block party; however, the most significant work I did today included playing with a little African American boy named Paul.
All week, I have been hearing various leaders say things like "It's not about the work, it's about the people," and I have even been telling myself the same thing. But I didn't really know how true this statement was until today. I spent half of the work day (about three hours-ish) with Paul and a few others, playing in the lot across the street, and the other half shoveling insulation and carrying drywall. While spending the first half of the day playing with Paul, I felt guilty about not doing any physical labor, and asked if I should help upstairs in the apartments we were in the process of demolishing. Contrary to my expectations, Mr. Maudsley told me that it wasn't necessary, and that in playing with Paul, I was doing even more important work than any manual labor I could otherwise be doing. I realized that I could use the time with Paul to show him God's love, and further understand his family's current situation. Afterwards, I felt so content and accomplished, and I felt like I had really given him a good idea of what God's love is.
After lunch, I decided to do some heavy lifting upstairs. After over two and a half hours of my work goggles fogging up and large pieces of drywall crashing down on my head, (*ahem* Chip Larsen,) I was sweaty and exhausted, but I felt nowhere near as accomplished as I did after I spent that time with Paul.
In short, today I learned from experience that the most fulfilling work comes not from exerting yourself, but from touching people's lives. I know that we will always remember Paul's abundant joy and happiness, and I pray that he will lead a full life, taking every one of his steps with God by his side.
All week, I have been hearing various leaders say things like "It's not about the work, it's about the people," and I have even been telling myself the same thing. But I didn't really know how true this statement was until today. I spent half of the work day (about three hours-ish) with Paul and a few others, playing in the lot across the street, and the other half shoveling insulation and carrying drywall. While spending the first half of the day playing with Paul, I felt guilty about not doing any physical labor, and asked if I should help upstairs in the apartments we were in the process of demolishing. Contrary to my expectations, Mr. Maudsley told me that it wasn't necessary, and that in playing with Paul, I was doing even more important work than any manual labor I could otherwise be doing. I realized that I could use the time with Paul to show him God's love, and further understand his family's current situation. Afterwards, I felt so content and accomplished, and I felt like I had really given him a good idea of what God's love is.
After lunch, I decided to do some heavy lifting upstairs. After over two and a half hours of my work goggles fogging up and large pieces of drywall crashing down on my head, (*ahem* Chip Larsen,) I was sweaty and exhausted, but I felt nowhere near as accomplished as I did after I spent that time with Paul.
In short, today I learned from experience that the most fulfilling work comes not from exerting yourself, but from touching people's lives. I know that we will always remember Paul's abundant joy and happiness, and I pray that he will lead a full life, taking every one of his steps with God by his side.
1 comment:
Lori, what a gift it has been to read the accounts of the group there in New Orleans. I hope and pray that the rest of your trip went well, that you are all home safe, and that there are many more stories and photos and life transformations to come as a result of this journey.
Peace be to you!
Post a Comment