I never knew anyone whose ambition was to become a trash collector, but somebody’s gotta do it. People probably think my job as a stork was pretty glamorous but, if you saw the bags under my sleep-deprived eyes and my delivery room shoes you’d know the truth. No matter what your role in life, we’ve all got a little yuck. When you’re feeling less than, remember your work matters.
My garbage man
Before 8:00 a.m. the dog barked at the grumbling truck pulling to the curb. Peeking out the window, my neighbor saw an unexpected scene. Between trash pick-ups, the garbage man dropped to the ground and did push-ups. She looked at her son and said, “Well that’s motivating. If he can do that, what can we do?”
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)
A man like that has a bright future. Anyone who does push-ups before most people finish their coffee has discipline and drive. It was multi-tasking and intentionality at its best; inspiring and a bit entertaining. Motivation from and unusual source – a man with the rare ability to take advantage of the mundane. He redeemed his time with a stinky mess.
When you’re feeling less than
Remember this story. The old doctor placed is wrinkled hand on the young man’s shoulder. “What do you do for a living?” His muttered response was inaudible and he fixed his eyes on the floor. “What’s that son?” Shoulders slumping and head drooping, he answered, “I work for the city.” The old man grinned and said, “That’s a fine job, now look at me and tell me, what exactly do you do for the city?” Reluctantly, the young man looked up and frowned, “I’m a trash collector.” Patting him hard on the shoulder, he said, “Well, I would rather live in a town without a physician than a town without a garbage man.” Bet you never thought of that.
“In fact, some parts of the body that seem weakest and least important are actually the most necessary.” 1 Corinthians 12:22 (NLT)
I don’t know where you get your morning motivation, but on Hickory Hills we get ours from the trash collector. It’s not the first time either (listen to the story here). God uniquely gifts each of His children to serve in a particular way, don’t squander yours.
Often we wish we could sing like _________, or look like _________, or sparkle like _________. Embrace what God has called you to do, even if your shoes get dirty like mine or like his. Not only that, esteem the work others are equipped to do. For the body to be healthy, all parts must be functioning properly. Without your gift, the work of the church is incomplete. If you think you’re too good or not good enough, then drop and give me ten, right there by the curb.
“One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much.” Luke 16:10 ESV
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I had an uncle who was a trash collector. They were known as the “The Ash Man,” because at that time the main source of heat in the home was a coal fire. The cold ashes were placed in the metal trash can along with regular trash and carried to the roadside once a week for pickup.
No wheels on those trash cans, they got their muscles from lifting the heavy cans manually into the back of the ask truck.
Stork! Love it!
What an awesome story!
A great object lesson……..
People often forget about those “little jobs”, if we didn’t have trash collectors then we’d all be stuck either burning it ourselves or having to find a dump to take it to if there even was one. I remember when I was little my grandparents burning theirs, and I’m only in my 30s so it really was that long ago. People take stuff for granted, we should take time to thank those doing jobs most of us wouldn’t do.
Yes we should take the time to validate what others do. Everyone needs to be needed