Every July, my team at AIP Construction and I set aside time for what we call “Serve Day”—a day dedicated entirely to giving back to our community here in Tuscaloosa. Over the years, Serve Day has become one of my favorite parts of the year, not because of the work itself, but because of the lessons I keep learning about faith, family, and community. It’s amazing how much a day of building, painting, or remodeling can teach you when you approach it with an open heart.
I want to share some of those lessons here, hoping they might encourage others—whether you’re a builder, a business owner, or just someone looking to make a difference—to find ways to serve with purpose.
Faith in Action: Serving Beyond the Job
One of the biggest lessons Serve Day has taught me is what it means to live out your faith through your actions. As a Christian, I believe faith isn’t just about what happens inside the walls of a church—it’s about how we show up in the world. When my crew and I work together to remodel a room for foster children or build an extra bedroom for a family taking in more kids than their home can hold, we’re not just doing construction work. We’re stepping into a ministry of care and service.
Faith calls us to love our neighbors and meet practical needs, and Serve Day is a powerful reminder of that. It reminds me that my skills and resources are gifts meant to be shared, not just used for profit. Each nail I hammer and each wall we paint becomes a way to reflect God’s love in a real, tangible way.
Family Isn’t Just Blood
Another unexpected lesson Serve Day has taught me is the true meaning of family. I’ve had the privilege of working on projects that support foster families, families who open their homes and hearts to children who need a place to belong. Through these projects, I’ve seen family go beyond biology. It’s about people caring for one another, making sacrifices, and creating safe spaces to heal.
One Serve Day, we built a new bedroom in a foster family’s home, giving the kids a space they could call their own. Seeing the joy on their faces and hearing the parents share how much that space would change their daily lives reminded me that building a family isn’t just about sharing genetics—it’s about sharing love and shelter.
Serve Day also reminds me of the family I’ve chosen in my church community and my work crew. We’ve grown closer through these projects, sharing laughs, struggles, and a sense of purpose. Serving together strengthens bonds that go far beyond the workday.
The Power of Community Collaboration
Serve Day also teaches me the incredible strength that comes from working as a community. Construction isn’t a solo act—just like serving others isn’t. Each project we take on involves volunteers, church members, local businesses, and sometimes even the people who will live in or use the spaces we’re improving.
One of our projects was remodeling a visitation room at the Department of Human Resources—a space where foster children and their parents can meet in a safe and welcoming environment. This project was only possible because so many people came together: social workers shared their insights, volunteers donated time and materials, and my team provided skilled labor. It was a reminder that when we pool our talents and hearts, we can create something far greater than any one of us could do alone.
This lesson in community has shaped how I run my business too. I try to build relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and clients that are built on mutual respect and shared goals. It’s about working together for the common good, whether that’s on a construction site or in the wider community.
Humility in Hard Work
Serve Day is also humbling. Construction work can be tough and tiring. It’s physically demanding and sometimes messy. But that hard work is a gift because it grounds me and reminds me of what really matters.
There’s something about sweating through a summer day, lifting boards, or painting walls that puts life’s worries in perspective. It reminds me that serving others isn’t about recognition or praise—it’s about showing up, doing your best, and trusting that even the smallest efforts can make a big difference.
Humility is a big part of faith. Jesus washed His disciples’ feet—a job no one else wanted to do. Serve Day gives me a chance to practice that kind of humility, to put aside pride, and to work alongside others for a greater purpose.
The Ripple Effect of Giving Back
Finally, Serve Day has shown me how one day of service can spark a lifetime of generosity. When people see the difference a new room or a fresh coat of paint can make in someone’s life, it inspires them to get involved too. We’ve had volunteers come back year after year, bringing friends and family along. Local businesses start donating materials. Other builders reach out wanting to partner on projects.
That ripple effect gives me hope. It shows me that serving isn’t just a one-time event—it’s a movement. And that movement begins with a simple decision to use your skills, your time, and your heart to make the lives of others better.
Serve With Purpose, Live With Gratitude
Serve Day is more than just a day of construction. For me, it’s a yearly reminder of how faith, family, and community are deeply connected through service. It’s about using the gifts God has given me to bless others and to grow myself in the process.
If you’re reading this and wondering how you can make a difference, I encourage you to look around your community. Find a way to serve that fits your talents and your heart. Maybe it’s a day of construction, or maybe it’s something else. Whatever it is, serve with purpose and an open heart—you might be surprised at what you learn along the way.
Because when we serve together, we don’t just build houses—we build lives, families, and stronger communities. And that’s a foundation worth working for.