The trash collector

It was a full bag today. 

The most CONSIDERATE LITTERBUG ever.. 

After the 3 day holiday the forest has more than its usual trash from weekend hikers.

Picking up trash can be quite therapeutic, and also one  can  get quite philosophical whilst at  it.

People who are litter bugs hv a 'use and discard' mentality with no consideration at all for fellow humans, animals, or the ruin it brings to the forest environment. 

At best its a thoughtless act, but more likely it is a deed born of selfish desire.. to satisfy a momentary need /pleasure and then subsequently it is discarded 

( plastic water bottles, tissues, carton drinks, sweet wrappers, cigarrette boxes, pepsi / sprite can, yes an occasional beer bottle etc )

It's a use and discard mentality. 

Ironically, in varying degrees we ALL exhibit this behavior. We may not act base and litter indiscriminately, but we do carry that same attitude . 

We "use" whatever to satisfy our desires, and if situation presents we will use it to further our own selfish goals and gains. (be it monetary, personal glamor/attention, or otherwise)

We can observe this human trait in all settings .. in our business relationships, social  relationships, and yes even in  family relationships, esp. during distribution of family wealth etc)

It's who we are.

We can politely masked and rationally justify our actions, but it reflects a deeper issue within.

It really is an indictment on our  fallen nature, the sin nature.

(for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.. Romans 3:23) 

At every level, the Good News (gospel) is relevant and vital. We are a people that need personal redemption, and our great saviour Jesus Christ the eternal 'collecter'.. ie souls of men,.. he is powerful to save.

It's who He is. 

In the coming days ahead, the Bible warns that deeds of man will become more and more wicked, and many others will suffer in the fallout; many will be discarded by the wayside, fearful, hurt, discouraged, abuse or plainly betrayed. 

There is a hope.

Jesus loves picking up thru the trash pile of humanity.

And those who find Him find life.

Jesus bids.. 

"Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
- Matthew 11

So picking up trash ain't so bad. It keeps its looking down (a humble posture), it reminds me we are like precious little discards by the wayside which He picks, and lovingly  restores us  to our destiny and positions as eternal sons of God.