Tims, Bud Light and a Condom

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You might wonder. What do Tims, Bud Light and a condom have in common? They are all things you might find in a daily walk on the Peninsula. 

Let me explain.


Walking is something I like to do. Walking is part of my physical, mental and spiritual life.


As I walk I witness up close the changing seasons, the sparking beauty of the river, the life force budding out and growing up. I witness the first appearance of the ‘trout lily,’ a pair of mallard ducks prepare for a family, clusters of frogs’ eggs that glisten in the sun. 


I also witness the footprint left by humans as we pass by. With each daily walk, I carry a sack to gather up litter left by travellers. I see this collecting as one small part of my call "to live with respect in Creation” (A New Creed). I see it as a sacred gift to share this planet with all creatures. 


To date the most popular items left on the side of the road and ditches are Tim Horton cups, and beer cans - the most popular being Bud Light. Styrofoam mugs, empty cigarette boxes and potato chip bags are also popular. Along with the occasional construction debris like buckets and bolts. 


The refundables go to the redemption centre, earning me about $10.00 a month. 


As I usually walk by the water’s edge I also see debris tossed in the river. Such as the condom that washed onto the shore. 


When I started gathering the litter, my thoughts would go to, “How can someone be so careless?” “Why would anyone toss this out?” “Don’t they care?”


These thoughts were not helpful to the serenity I hoped a daily walk would offer. 


So I changed. Instead of tossing a curse upon the traveller, I decided to offer a prayer for the person that tossed the Tims cup. I pray that whoever tossed the Bud Light got home safely. I consider the hands that tossed the litter. Where were they going? 


As for the condom, I will say no more. My thoughts will stay my thoughts. Your imagination can fill in the blanks.


As I try "to live with respect in Creation," I have a choice - to curse the darkness or light a light. I have the freedom to choose anger or compassion. As for the litter, I’ve chosen to be a light. At least for today. 


I'll save my anger for other issues. 


What about you?


How do you respond to road side litter? How do you respond when the actions of another are not life giving?

Comments

  1. AnonymousMay 12, 2023 at 7:34 AM

    Good thoughts!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMay 12, 2023 at 8:57 AM

    Like you I walk daily. I need to start carrying a sack again, I use to, I think I went to the dark side. Changing........ Marg A.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMay 12, 2023 at 10:09 AM

    Oh dear, I wish I was as kind as you are but I don’t understand why people do this. We live in such a beautiful province, are they just lazy to take their garbage home? I will try not to judge but as you can tell this is one of my pet peeves!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousMay 12, 2023 at 10:10 AM

      Pet peeves was from me wendy baird!

      Delete
  4. AnonymousMay 13, 2023 at 9:15 AM

    Brilliant

    ReplyDelete

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