May 31, 2015
Some of you know that last weekend (Memorial weekend) Joel assembled a team together to put a new roof on their house. The Peck’s house is not very big and most of us who worked on their project thought the job would be quicker than it eventually turned out to be. But Tuesday night at about 9:30 Leap, Hiep and Joel drove the last nail and the job was done.
Here is the way Katie said it on a facebook post yesterday…”I cannot begin to express my heartfelt gratitude to all the great guys who came out to help us re-shingle our roof last weekend. It turned out to be the longest long weekend project ever but it was made all the better by the support, kindness, dedication and love you all showed. I can’t wait to bring this baby into this family, knowing that she will have so many wonderful men in her life. And thank you to all the families who shared your dads and husbands over the holiday weekend. You guys NAILED it!”
The honor role of workers included: Leap, Dan (and Dane), Matt (and Jonah), Michael, Ron (Joel’s dad), Mitch (Joel’s coworker), David (Joel’s uncle), Hiep, Scott, and of course Joel.
One of the challenges during the project was the threat of rain. In fact, twice during the 4 days it did rain. But, Joel and Leap were wise enough to plan for the rain and there was no damage to the house even when the roof was only partly finished. Good job!
As I reflected on the roofing experience at the Peck’s house, here are some lessons I noticed.
Be careful about assumptions and expectations. I expected the job to be easier than it was. My expectations were unrealistic and made the work more difficult for me.
Do not give up. In the middle of a job, it is tempting to quit. Don’t quit.
Working together is the way to go. We need the help, encouragement, partnership and expertise of others. Don’t do it alone.
Helping is important, even if I do not do as much as someone else does. It is not just quantity of work, presence also matters.
Ice cream cake at the end is great. Don’t be afraid to build in a reward for a job well done.
I am seldom sorry when I help someone with a challenge. It really does feel good to help.
Good friends help each other and they really do do it because they love, not because they are obligated.
I agree with Katie…THANKS everyone who could help for a job well done.
