Trashman

"Ours is a culture and a time immensely rich in trash as it is in treasures." Ray Bradbury

There are many things in the Dominican Republic that I have learned to count on. I know, for example, that my favorite produce guy will have his stand set up and overflowing with fresh fruits and veggies from early in the morning until about 2:00 in the afternoon. Then, he will pack up what’s left of the picked over produce and meticulously sweep his little area of the sidewalk. I also know that I can count on the Haitian men and women, as they walk by, to stare hesitantly at me until I initiate a greeting. Then they will reciprocate my gesture by giving me a bright, charming smile and an “hola” in return. I enjoy this daily exchange.

Something else I’ve learned to count on this year is not being able to count on the trash man. We never have a clue as to when the truck will come by to pick up our debris. At the time of this writing, it has been a couple of weeks or so since the trash crew has blessed us with their presence. It is currently 95 degrees outside and has been for some time now. Last night it rained. We share our trash area (pictured above), which is just outside of our house, with our downstairs neighbors. In addition to your “basic” garbage, they have a baby, which means diapers. We have cats, which means liter box debris. Take a deep breath and try not to choke. Stink happens.

A similar stench happens in our spiritual lives when we let unconfessed sin pile up. We may gossip, become greedy, lie, covet, go too far, lash out, etc.…and, if we are satisfied with our wrong actions or ignore them, our lives begin to take on a foul odor. Taking stock of our choices daily, and then coming before the Lord, acknowledging our sin and asking for forgiveness is like gathering the trash, taking it out, and giving God the opportunity to haul it away—as far as the east is from the west. The fragrance of forgiveness is sweet and that’s something we can count on daily.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9