I put the empty plastic water bottle in the trash bin. She took it out. She saved bottles, got points, and was able to redeem store items with her points. She is my sister.
She told me not to throw the bottles away, to save them for her. It seemed like a simple thing. I began to save the plastic bottles but did not know that it would become such a bother. There were so many plastic bottles! How much water was I drinking!!!??? I started putting the bottles in trash bags, which looked sloppy; I am a neat freak.
I then bought a bin that I placed on the shelf over my washer and dryer, where I would toss the empty bottles.
The bottles kept growing.
I thought about stopping this bottle-saving practice because it became a work chore I deplored. She would generally come weekly to get her bottles. Her little jump for joy or lift in her voice at the sight of the bottles was something to behold! It reminded me of the joy daddy would express over simple pleasures. No way to stop now.
She would open up the washer/dryer closet with an expectant smile. No way to stop my sister’s joy. No way to stop helping her. No way to stop serving her. What began as a bothersome chore became an act of love.
The forgone drudgery now makes me happy. Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. We talk about servanthood, but it is not in the talk but in the act of cheerfully serving that happiness comes. Plastic bottles; labor of love. Whatever your plastic bottle is, do it.
Think about it.
