Gratitude

One day, I’d forgotten to empty the bin in my kitchen in time for the rubbish collectors. The sound of the bin truck on my road that morning reminded me. I sprinted down the stairs to the kitchen as I hoped I wouldn't miss them. I opened my front door just as the rubbish man had emptied my wheelie bin. I rushed out with my bin bag and, noticing me, he came over and took the bag! I thanked him as he carried on to the next house. I’ll never know his name, but I can’t forget him since he saved me from having to endure hanging on to my rubbish for another fortnight! I can’t stand a smelly bin, so his kindness meant a lot to me.

This Lent, Jesus’ sacrifice will be on the minds of Christians. Despite the incredible love He showed, I was reminded that the Bible says He was despised and rejected by men (Isaiah 53:3). Just as the rubbish collector deals with the mess we leave behind, Jesus works to confront and transform the sin and brokenness in our lives. As I pondered on the kindness of that rubbish collector, it struck me that people in this job often go unnoticed and can even be despised, albeit not in the same measure Jesus was. Sometimes it’s not until someone comes across an overflowing or smelly bin that they remember the rubbish collectors and the essential service they provide. Their job is hard work with early mornings, and they don’t stop for the weather! They encounter unpleasant smells and rats daily. They make sacrifices many of us wouldn’t yet receive little or no appreciation for their contribution to a clean environment. I recently read that they are increasingly being attacked, abused and intimidated by householders who get upset over rubbish collection rules. That speaks volumes!

So, on your next collection day, thank your rubbish collectors because behind those faces are people with names, families, and needs. It’d be a lovely surprise and a way to live out Matthew 5:16 which says, “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Moreover, they’ll never forget how you made them feel.

Prayer:

Pray for the safety and well-being of refuse collectors and pray for God to meet their personal needs.

Take a 40acts challenge today:

1. Write a mega-list of all the things you are grateful for. Place this somewhere in your home or office as a reminder of how blessed you are.
2. Write a thank you note or buy a gift for your refuse collectors to give to them on the next bin day.
3. Buy vinyl lettering to spell thank you and stick these as a permanent note of thanks on your bin.