Dumpster Diving

Imagine realizing you accidentally threw out something valuable. How valuable would it have to be for you to dumpster dive to save it? Think of all that you have to wade through in order to salvage your precious possession? Rotting food covered in mould and slime. Used diapers that smell so bad you want to hurl. Broken glass jutting out every where. Used needles, either with medical or narcotic materials all over it. Cat litter. Mulched leaves. Used condoms. Sharp tin can lids. Used Kleenex. The list could go on. And so could the list of diseases and injuries you could get from putting a limb in that mess.

Would you jump into that pile to search for your favorite mug? Or how about favorite sweater? Something more valuable like your wallet? An heirloom piece of jewellery? You start calculating the risk and how much is it worth to expose yourself to every conceivable vile and nasty hazard in order to save it? What would it take for you to deem it worth it?

Compared to heaven, our earth is a vile and nasty dumpster, filled with broken and messy people. A lot of us feel like we're trashed and untouchable. Unsalvageable. But God thinks you are worth diving into the dumpster for! He did it, He dove right into the middle of it, searching for all those in need of saving. And He didn't even try to avoid the danger or disease, no hazmat suite, no armor, nothing for protection. We are all worth it, no matter how many He could give freedom, it was worth it to expose Himself to the messy existance of a human.

There are those He rescues that jump right back in, either unaware they are in need of rescue or not feeling worthy enough. But He will stay there, wading neck high in our garbage, waiting until we grab His hand and let Him pull us free. Waiting until we've all taken or passed up our chance to escape the dumpster. Trust that He's there, no matter your mess, He's in it with you waiting for you to reach out to Him.

(Thanks to Pastor Todd for inspiration for this parable)