How often do we overlook the people who make life a little cleaner and easier? Reflect on those who quietly serve in unseen ways, like bin collectors, and show them kindness and gratitude. As Jesus transforms the mess in our lives, let’s let His light shine through small, thoughtful acts that make others feel valued.
One day, I’d forgotten to empty the bin in my kitchen in time for the rubbish collectors. The sound of the bin truck on my road that morning reminded me. I sprinted down the stairs to the kitchen as I hoped I wouldn't miss them. I opened my front door just as the rubbish man had emptied my wheelie bin. I rushed out with my bin bag and, noticing me, he came over and took the bag! I thanked him as he carried on to the next house. I’ll never know his name, but I can’t forget him since he saved me from having to endure hanging on to my rubbish for another fortnight! I can’t stand a smelly bin, so his kindness meant a lot to me.
This Lent, Jesus’ sacrifice will be on the minds of Christians. Despite the incredible love He showed, I was reminded that the Bible says He was despised and rejected by men (Isaiah 53:3). Just as the rubbish collector deals with the mess we leave behind, Jesus works to confront and transform the sin and brokenness in our lives. As I pondered on the kindness of that rubbish collector, it struck me that people in this job often go unnoticed and can even be despised, albeit not in the same measure Jesus was. Sometimes it’s not until someone comes across an overflowing or smelly bin that they remember the rubbish collectors and the essential service they provide. Their job is hard work with early mornings, and they don’t stop for the weather! They encounter unpleasant smells and rats daily. They make sacrifices many of us wouldn’t, yet receive little or no appreciation for their contribution to a clean environment. I recently read that they are increasingly being attacked, abused and intimidated by householders who get upset over rubbish collection rules. That speaks volumes!
So, on your next collection day, thank your rubbish collectors because behind those faces are people with names, families and needs. It’d be a lovely surprise and a way to live out Matthew 5:16 which says, “in the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Moreover, they’ll never forget how you made them feel.
Dora Hanson Amissah, Tearfund
Reflect
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:16 (NIV)
Pray
Thank God for the incredible people in our lives who quietly serve in unseen ways. Pray for the bin collectors who keep our neighbourhoods clean; for our care workers who look after those who cannot care for themselves, and for our response staff who bravely risk their own lives on the frontlines. Pray that they know their worth, and for their continued safety and wellbeing as they work unsociable hours in all manner of conditions. Amen"
Act
Acts for you to consider today:
| Write a mega-list of all the things you are grateful for. Place this somewhere in your home or office as a reminder of how blessed you are. | ||
| Write a thank you note or buy a gift for your refuse collectors to give to them on the next bin day. | ||
| Buy vinyl lettering to spell thank you and stick these as a permanent note of thanks on your bin. |
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About Tearfund
Tearfund is a Christian charity determined to see an end to extreme poverty and injustice. Poverty destroys lives and is not God's plan for the world, but you can help change this. God calls us to love one another and wants us as churches and individuals to play our part in building His Kingdom on earth.
