Trash Pick Up Day

“And he said to them, ‘Watch out! Be on your guard against all forms of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.’”*

     Now that we are living in an urban rather than a rural area, Al and I are getting adjusted to many different city ordinances. There are several rules pertaining to trash disposal for instance. No longer do we haul things to the county dump in the old utility trailer. The trailer has been replaced by three large containers: one for garbage, another for yard waste and a third for recyclables. The containers must be within prescribed dimensions, facing in the right direction and spaced a certain distance apart.

     Big items like mattresses or old appliances can be placed alongside the curb as well. A special truck comes by and takes things to a resale shop run by the Beverly Hills Village. Oh, there is another city ordinance that prohibits people from removing things from the curb! Do people follow it?

     In our neighborhood, all of the trash has to be out by 7:00 a.m. Monday morning, with the exception of holidays. Usually our neighbors put out their containers on Sunday. It is always interesting, well maybe astounding, to walk around the neighborhood that day and see what things are lining the curb: barbeques, washing machines, book shelves, chairs, sofas, carpets, yard equipment and patio furniture among other things, most of which seem to be in fairly good condition.

     Now for me, checking out what others are throwing away is a very strong attraction. I’m not sure why, but I think it has something to do with my mother who was always on the lookout for a treasure that someone was giving away.  At this point in our lives we really need to downsize; however, I just can’t seem to keep from looking!

     One Sunday evening I was walking the dogs around the neighborhood when I came across three small old-fashioned school desks standing in front of a house. I reasoned that they would fit right in with the other antiques in our house. Since it wasn’t possible to carry three desks and walk two dogs at the same time, the plan was to finish the walk. If the desks were still there on our return trip, I would drive back to the house, knock on the front door and offer to buy them.

     That was the stream of thought that went through my brain anyway. But, fifteen minutes later they were gone. Hah! Well, at least someone saved me from breaking the ordinance!

      It was with great delight on one Sunday afternoon walk to come across a small card table that had been set up on the sidewalk. On the table was a sign that read, “Take what you want, but please leave the table!” Someone was very trusting!

     There were just three items left by the time the dogs and I arrived. However, they looked interesting—a small container of chives and another of Egyptian onions that could be transplanted into the garden, along with a small hand-held vacuum cleaner. There was a note on the vacuum that said, “Still works!” Since they were meant to be given away, I felt okay about asking Al to pick them up later on his way home from running errands.

     It didn’t take long to discover why the vacuum had been given away.  A part connecting the hose to the container was broken; and with a hard pull, the hose would come off completely. The vegetables were put into our already crowded garden beds and the vacuum went to the basement. What happened to my downsizing?

     You would think that the magnetic pull of possessions would eventually lose its power over me, that I could tell myself once and for all not to give in, that I have everything I need and more. Jesus admonished His followers to avoid greed, but rather store up their treasures in heaven.

     Greed? I guess that pretty well sums it up. It is a hard struggle for sure, but vital in our relationship with Him. “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:34 NIV)

     Dear Father, please help us to let go of the desire to accumulate more than we need. May we yearn for a deeper relationship with You above all else, loving You with all our hearts.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

*Luke 12:25 NIV