As children begin to dream about their future, we often ask them the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?“ Every child has different answers. Some want to be doctors, some want to be great athletes, some want to be astronauts. The list is endless. It is exciting to see their limitless hopes for their future.
I must admit, my first hope for a career was to be a garbage man. When I was a child, I was so excited each time the garbage truck came down the street. I thought it was so cool watching the men holding on while riding behind the truck. That is why I loved the news about 3-year-old Wolfgang Reader who celebrated his birthday with a garbage truck parade.
Wolfgang and his family live in Toronto. Wolfgang’s parents knew that, because of COVID-19, they would not be able to have a normal birthday party for their little boy. They did tell him that he could invite a couple of friends over. He chose to invite his favorite garbage men, D.J. and Drew. You see, each week Wolfgang races to the front yard to watch the garbage truck come down the street. Because he is such a big fan, he has met D.J and Drew and they have become fans of Wolfgang.
When word got out that Wolfgang wanted his new buddies to join him for his birthday, the city of Toronto responded by sending several trucks to the boy’s house. There was a wonderful garbage truck parade. The drivers parked their trucks, and each got out to present Wolfgang with a gift. They gave him several toy trucks, so that he could have his own fleet. It made a little boy’s day to see the thing he loved so much.
Sometimes our day-to-day routines can seem mundane. We may not think we are making much of a difference. You never know who is watching. You never know who you can bless by being kind. These men who drive trash trucks in Toronto blessed a little boy’s day with their kindness. They also showed the world how to be a good and loving neighbor while doing their everyday work. How can you be a good neighbor today? What act of kindness can you offer to bless someone’s day? You never know who you will bless, but I am sure you will if you act with kindness.
– Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
