An Exchange of Blessings

As often as possible, I thank the men who collect our trash.

Today, I happened to be outside when the truck came. As the handsome young African-American man ran up to get my garbage can, I said, “Thank you very much.”

“We’re here 365 days a year,” he said with a gleaming smile.

“Without you, this whole place would collapse,” I responded.

Then I added, “You are like Christ. He takes away our garbage. You are doing what he did.”

“Thank you very much,” he repeated, as sped toward the truck with my can. I waited for him to return.

“Are you a Packers fan?” he asked.

Not knowing how to respond, I just grinned and gave him a thumbs-up.

“Good luck with the game!” he shouted over the roar of the truck’s engine.

I realized immediately that he was trying to “bless” me just as I had blessed him. In an attempt to connect with me, he took what he had and gave it to me.

“Common grace,” I said to Dori when I recounted the incident to her.

Truly, God’s beauty shines in the most unexpected places.