The Service Card

"If a living system is suffering from ill-health, the remedy is to connect it to more of itself." -- Francisco Varella, biologist

In despair, Charlie talked to his pastor, who gave this advice: To get, you first must give. The pastor put Charlie in touch with Habitat for Humanity. Charlie gave, and then gave more. And he received, and then received more.

Today, Charlie is a beacon of happiness with a fulfilling life that grows daily. His "wealth" has multiplied since he began working with Habitat for Humanity and began supervising a development project on the south shore of Boston two years ago: "I get incredible amounts of energy from the new volunteers that come each week and from my relationship with these families whose homes we are building. But that's not all I get," counsels Charlie.

Charlie's carpentry work is back -- somehow, better than ever. For reasons he says he doesn't understand, Charlie is now getting work he never got before, is attracting clients who never selected him before. He is not financially rich, but for the first time in a long time, all the bills are getting paid on time without stress.

Most important, Charlie feels good about Charlie.

"The money just seems to be taking care of itself. And friends? I don't have many, but for the first time I have some really great friends. Wonderful people." He has been in touch with his 15-year-old daughter, Leona, as well. The situation remains a bit complicated, but it appears that Sharon's family of three is slowly integrating a new parent.

"We are not here merely to make a living. We are here to enrich the world." -- Woodrow Wilson

My moment with Mother Teresa in June 1996 gave me the permission to lead a life of service to others -- without concern for recompense. I have tried and made some dramatic changes, too. But it's a struggle. I still have one corporate gray business card that says "You & Company: Attract, Develop and Retain MBAs" and one card with tropical fish on it (I love to scuba dive) that reads "dr. Mark: Making a Life, Making a Living."

Money and meaning, I guess. Maybe Charlie's given me the strength to build my brand on meaning, on the power of service. Thanks, Charlie. And the Mother, too, for inspiring me to re-examine my calling card.

"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." -- Muhammad Ali

To learn more about Mother Teresa, see ML2 E-Newsletter #38. Find out more about Habitat for Humanity. My personal meeting with Mother Teresa is discussed in Chapter 1 of the New York Times best-selling book, Making a Life, Making a Living.

Copyright © 2000 Dr. Mark S. Albion. All rights reserved.

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by Mark Albion