In recent weeks we had a stinky situation. High temperatures, high humidity, and a plethora of popup summer storms turned our northern climate into an environment akin to the tropics. One typical Tuesday, amid this sticky situation, the usual parade of garbage bins set at the curb along our street and several others in the area.
As a result of the intense heat and related issues, we received a recorded message from our trash hauler—due to a driver shortage, we would have to go two weeks before the stuff could be picked up. The short-term solution meant everyone needed to pull the bins back to their homes and preferably keep them outside to minimize the up close and personal encounters with the unpleasant bouquet of scents arising from the containers.
As with many situations in life, the reality of the delayed trash pick-up seems to be a metaphor for the human beings who fill the cans—not-so-nice aromas arise when we are slow to clean up our personal junk.
For example . . .
The seeds of resentment that take shape and blossom into ugliness when we try to ignore or suppress how we really feel. Stinky.
The lump of unforgiveness that grows into a painful blob when we resist humbling ourselves and seek reconciliation. Stinky.
The flashes of frustration and anger that eventually gush forth when we believe the best, or only way to overcome a difficulty is to resort to a stiff upper lip—or worse, explode amid a blast of ugly words or gestures. Stinky.
The glob of guilt that grows by the moment when we know we have made an unloving choice and refuse to acknowledge our culpability. Stinky.
The spiritual work you and I need to do to with regard to a timely cleanup of our messes may seem a bit intimidating at first. Will God accept my confession? Will I be judged and condemned to some kind of punishment, either here or in the future? Will I be able to be honest and vulnerable and trust the Divine to gently guide and instruct me as to when, where, and how to dispose of the stinky stuff?
The good news is the stink vanishes when we properly dispose of the trash—in the curbside cans or within ourselves. While life events may delay the process at times, our commitment to place our stuff at the feet of Jesus will provide a huge opportunity to reap the blessings God desires to give us and the people we encounter day-to-day. Ah, the smell of fresh air.
Do I tend to delay “taking out the trash?” Why?
How do I feel about placing my stuff at the feet of Jesus?
