Oh The Humanity!

 It’s that time again. My work at the State Park is winding down and school is about to start up again. This summer I’ll have to admit, I’m pretty worn. I almost let humanity get the best of me. When I’m at school, I work, for the most part, with people of integrity and who are honestly trying to better themselves and do the right thing. The park has been another matter. Seemingly endless days of people who can’t throw away their trash, make a total mess of the restrooms and showers, and often show total disregard for the rules.

I once decided that if I had a superpower, it would be to turn things (including people) on and off with mind control. I’m sure I would abuse it, but it would come in handy. Music too Loud? Off. Student out of control? Sleep. Crazy drivers on the highway? 10-minute car time out. Ya, I would definitely misuse it.

This week for whatever reason, probably because God knew I needed it, I remembered a song that one of my 6^th graders brought to class sometime in the last millennium. It was from Steve Green’s children’s album “Hide Them in Your Heart vol. 1”. It was taken from the last verse of Romans 12. Verses 17-21 say, 

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.  If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.  On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

 Here’s the song. It’s simple, but hard to forget. It followed me all week.

One of the other park employees and I we talking about it. Making things clean for people that don’t appreciate it. Helping the entitled when they could easily do things on their own. Enduring being lied about because the other person was too embarrassed to admit their own failure. Picking up the slack for another employee who isn’t quite doing their part. It could really get to you if you let it. We both agreed that were not really working for them. We are working for those that deserve a clean park, a nice place to relax. But ultimately we both agreed we’re doing our best because God expects us to overcome evil. So we do – by doing good. And that’s ok. We’ll let God sort it all out in the long run. Today, I’m just, doing good.