Goethe, the eighteenth-century playwright, once said, “Let everyone sweep in front of his own doorstep and the whole world will be clean.”
I saw something the other day that impressed me and caused me to consider my own behavior and, sadly, my failings. I was in the commercial parking lot with Staples, Big 5, and Taco Bell, had just parked my truck, and was headed-in to the office supply store. From the corner of my eye, I could see a woman who clearly had some physical disability pushing a cart, an empty cart, back to the store. In other words, she did not leave the cart in the parking lot after having used it; she put it back.
Most of us would have given her a pass considering her handicap and yet, here she was returning the basket as an act of personal responsibility. I then thought about how often I return shopping carts. Let us just say the average is probably below what most major league pitchers’ batting averages look like. My sport fans will know how low that is. I usually just leave the cart in a safe place and move on. How courteous of me!
I like teachable moments except I do not always like being the example. The principle, of course, is simple enough; I should do to others that which I would like done to me. This is, of course, the Golden Rule and a good one at that. Reminders like these help me to realize my need to be aware of my conduct.
How about you? Do you sometimes forget that if you did your part that the world would be a better place? It might be a cart; it might be picking-up after yourself, or it might simply be awareness and action. We, together, can do better.
I have several church members who take it upon themselves to do more than their fair share. They see the need and respond. Maybe you are like that. Good for you, by the way, if that is the case.
We have been given authority over this world to treat it with respect and good stewardship. It may begin with a cart but end with a significant transformation. Whatever the outcome, if we individually and corporately do our part, our community will be a better place to live and to raise our children and grandchildren.
The lady in difficult circumstances got it. We can, too. I will put the cart back next time. How about you?
Kent Simmons is the pastor of Canyon Community Church in Kingman, AZ.
