Other People's Garbage

Over the last several days I've been running at Happy Rock Park. There is a 1 mile loop which is pleasant and not over crowded. Makes for a nice run and a chance to do lap splits, etc. I recommend it.

Yesterday, when I got to the park I noticed an elderly woman walking around the parking lot. She walked very slowly and with a cane in one hand. In her other hand... a box for a 24 pack of Budweiser!!! It was only 7:30 a.m. But as I got closer I saw what she was doing. She was stooping over and picking up the empties off the grass and lot, and putting them in the box. My next time around I saw her picking up some other trash and placing it in the dumpster that was only about 5 feet from where it had been tossed. As I ran by I shouted out to her, "Thanks for picking up other people's garbage." The look on her face told me one of three things; (1) She was hard of hearing, (2) She didn't understand what I said, (3) She thought I was a stark raving lunatic about to attack this defenseless poor woman. Oh well, my intent was sincere.

I sometimes wonder if Christ followers aren't often called to do just exactly that, "pick up other people's garbage." Jesus says in Matthew 5 "³⁹But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. ⁴⁰And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. ⁴¹If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. ⁴²Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." Pick up their stress garbage. Pick up their lack of planning garbage. Pick up their "shoulda known better" garbage. Pick up their "I've got too much on my plate" garbage. Pick up their "I can't cope today" garbage. Generally, just pick up their garbage and aid them to make a better life. And if they don't get any better at their aim, pick up their garbage again and place it where it belongs. It's just the way of Christ.