The next in our series of Lent Devotions comes from David Morrow, Habitat ReStore Lisburn's Store Manager.
It is always good to take a moment to reflect on our purpose in life and think about others. The Bible lays down a challenge in Philippians 2:4:
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” ESV
Working in ReStore Lisburn is very fulfilling but is equally challenging – it is very busy! In ReStore we sell furniture, building materials, hardware and household goods – all with the purpose of improving local people’s home at an affordable cost. Many people have come into the shop for a browse or for a particular item and have found something else they needed or really wanted. That gives us great job satisfaction.
There is another challenge in John 13:34: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
We also hope they find something else they may not necessarily expect, a friendly, welcoming and caring environment. We are blessed with volunteers and staff who have a heart for others and make it a part of their purpose in life – to help others. They see how they can make a difference to people’s homes by the every day tasks of collecting furniture, pricing it, putting it out on the shelves and then serving customers at the till. But that is just part of it, there are many long conversations about important, often difficult situations and many fun, joyful moments between customers, volunteers and staff (don’t mention football!)
As part of our approach to help local people support themselves and their families, we also provide accredited training to enable people to start work or to return to work. All this is geared at improving people’s lives as well as their home - we believe everyone deserves a decent place to call home. I can fully stand behind our mission statement – “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope” as I entrust each day to God, and ask for His wisdom and guidance.
This should always be our challenge - what can we do for others today?
