A six year-old was asked to pray in Sunday School.  She closed by saying:  “And forgive us our trash baskets as we forgive those who put trash in our baskets.”  Until the moment I read this online somewhere years ago (and I don’t know whom to attribute it), I had not thought about how others put “trash” in our baskets.  And we ourselves have trash baskets laying around, some are  full and oozing odorously  onto the carpet among dust and cat hair. 

We need to trash things in our lives that stress us or lie in wait in the backs of our mind; things that are searching for the perfect time to spring forward.  And usually at the most inopportune moment, you can believe it. 

I have had folks put in my trash basket:  meaningless drivel, pickles of their own making (yes, you know you have been in a pickle at least once in your life), and sometimes even OTHER PEOPLE.  I worked in mental health for years but was certainly not a licensed therapist.  There is absolutely nothing I can do with a sniveling wayward husband or a sibling who is determined to invite all manner of trouble into the lives of his or her family. 

Were any of these depositors friends or family members?  Yes.  Do I love my friends and family members?  Of course I do; however, I am not a miracle worker, and my own basket is full and spilling over sometimes. 

I have peeked into my basket at the end of the week recently and found unsolved mysteries (I know I hid that $20 bill from myself somewhere), a silly disagreement with a friend over sugar or not in cornbread, burned potatoes (who could miss the final question on Jeopardy??), and even a yell at a cat I love for chewing fake plants (leaving toothmarks and torn leaves). 

In the very distant past, I have found in my trash basket: yelling sessions with people (that I truly love) over bad choices; worries over grown children who know better; worry over grown friends who know better; anger at myself because I was 100% sure that I knew better; and concerns over health, house payments, taxes and student loan payments. 

I have forgiven those who filled my trash baskets as I pray others have forgiven me for filling theirs.  I want to take mine out to the storage building but where on earth will the little irritations and stresses nestle comfortably as they murmur and fuss late into the night.  I need to dump them all in the fire pit and, with fervor and lighter fluid, burn them to ashes. 

I can’t tell anyone else what to do with their baskets.  But I can suggest putting less in your trash basket and deal with issues and battles  “hands on.”  Sure we can talk things over with our spouse, children, parents, pastors, friends, and siblings.  Try talking to the person you have an issue with or who you felt hurt your feelings unnecessarily.  Try talking over decisions with those you love and trust and know you very well.  Discuss family issues with family members. 

I may burn mine yet.  That would be toasty on a cool November evening.  Remember to gather this month with those you love and be thankful, my friends.  Every single day.