Yesterday I sat in church and saw a woman take her grandchild by the arm and tell him to throw a drink out. He had walked in with a bottled drink but she explained that this was God's house and it was to be respected. I remember those conversations all to well. After he threw the drink out, he walked in and she removed his cap from his head again explaining that it was a respect issue. She later walked out to lead the children to class.
As the choir began to sing, I saw that someone had dropped a bulletin insert on the floor. I saw kids walk past it and not pick it up. I also saw adults come in to the church and not pick it up, they walked right past it. I know they had to have seen it because at one point, it got curled up.
This wretched paper got the better of me....I kept asking "Who is going to pick it up?" It was not a small piece of paper it was about 5 X 7 so it was not difficult to miss. I regret to say that this piece of paper really distracted me. I wanted someone to pick it up! It was an eyesore. Every time I looked up I saw that paper on the floor. The straw that broke the camel's back was when the offertory ushers approached it, stepped on it, then walked on by. Everyone just walked on by!
It took me to a place that I am ashamed to say I am guilty of. How many times have you walked past the hungry, the dirty, the homeless, the penniless and not even given it a second thought? I've been in too big of a hurry, not had any change, been judgmental, or just plain "walked on by."
That piece of paper took me to a place I did not want to go. How would Jesus see me or my actions when it comes to others less fortunate. I left the paper for a moment as I joined in worship.
A few minutes later I looked up and must have missed who picked it up because suddenly it was gone. Who picked it up? My husband said it was the grandmother who scolded her grandson for not respecting God's house. I should have known.
The King will reply "I tell yo the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. Matthew 25:40
