"Plastics, Ben, plastics. Remember them, they are the future," Mr.
Robinson reminded young Ben Braddock upon graduation. And although that was
over 40 years ago, this Graduate, and his generation had laid the ground work
for a disposable generation. Mr. Robinson's generation had fixed things, very
few things were thrown away, and only when they were totally unusable. Popular
Science in its September 1948 issue lists "14 uses for Old Garden Hoses."
Anything from a saw shield, to a pail handle and other common sense approaches
are shown. A generation used to preserving and persevering shows why with a
garden hose. And I wonder, were they green ahead of their time?
So much is said about being green, they spend millions of dollars
advertising it, how many trees did that cost? And this weekend, I was shown the
future, when in San Luis Obispo. A college town, and slightly liberal, the
county has outlawed plastic bags. This once cost saving and easier than paper
bag receptacle is against the law there countywide. Leaving only paper as an
alternative, but there is a 10 cent per bag cost, a fee for them. You were
warned about fees, first with banks, then with airline add-ons. Seems another
cost cutting measure, to all but the end user is here. We chose to carry out
our purchases, it wasn't the dime, but the attitude. And when some college
clerk tried to explain why, I now know why the next generation is scary-he was
full of propaganda, propaganda he was filled with. What would Mr. Robinson say
to that, what would Ben say? Here's to you Mr. Robinson, heaven has a
place....
Looking back I can now appreciate all the little things my Grandpa used to
make or fix, and my Dad too. And I've only shown my kids where to go to replace
things, no one repairs anymore, we replace. No more deposit Coke bottles, or
7-Up bottles, they too are recycled. We recycle rather than repair, and soon I
see the water bottle, and other plastic recyclables going away. All in the name
of green-does this mean the Coke bottle may return? As kids we would look for
them, at 2 cents each you could keep yourself in candy for a day if you were
industrious enough. But with each new challenge, comes challengers. Think of
it as a better mouse trap, maybe that is why we now a stronger breed of rats
than ever before. Build it, and they will come. But now they won't leave.
Another good idea with ulterior ramifications.
And figure that the greenies will have a better way to do it electrically.
Using more coal to burn to make more electricity. Hey Prius owners, did you
know that coal is burned to make electricity for your golf cart? You really are
driving a coal burner, hmmm? And so things are not always as advertised, big
surprise. And get used to fees, to pay for all the progress that has been
cancelled, due to free enterprise running amuck. Fees are the new tax, oops
can't call it that. Oh well...
The Romans had tax collectors in the time of Jesus. They had to turn in
what they collected per the government, keeping whatever they could overcharge
as their compensation. For example, Rome says you owe $100, Levi, who became
Matthew, and one of the disciples would charge $115, maybe less if he liked
you. A discount on being overcharged. Such a deal. Yet Jesus had a simple
solution to being a good witness, give unto Caesar the things of Caesar. He
will provide, as He always did, and does. And so we should, but do we? Do we
cheat on our taxes, as almost all good Americans do? Sure we hate to pay more
than we should, but do we need to cheat? Again, God looks on the heart, not the
wallet. Did you ever wonder why we pay a waiter a 15% tip, but only tithe 10%?
Are we cheating God, or overpaying the waiter? Rules, laws, and more laws...how
much for a ten cent bag? Will we see them discounted soon?
God loves a cheerful giver, in fact He calls them hilarious. Laugh out
loud, LOL for those of you who can't spell. Give from the heart, out of the
wallet. Always hurting for cash, maybe you tithe, reluctantly, but don't give
freely. Or give out of abundance, unlike the widow with two mites. Again use
Jesus as the example of giving, who gave it all for us. Way beyond what was His
right, but His responsibility. Remember that next time you become cheap. Does
the waiter give better service than God? Take the hint, you can't take it with
you, but you can send it ahead.
Our lives need fixing sometimes, check yours for repairs before someone
replaces you, or finds you're not needed any longer. Whether in church, or at
work, or in your marriage, these things will need fixing. So fix them before
they cannot be replaced. Or you find yourself paying a fee for what used to be
free. Give generously to God, and meet other people's needs as needed.
Teamwork-doing what needs to be done. As Jesus did, and we should. Before you
go the way of the plastic bag...back to paper as God intended. Paper or
plastic-works for buying too, not just what you bought to take home. Keep your
life and relationship ship shape, the treasure of Jesus is too valuable to
waste.
So here's to you Mrs. Robinson, and Mr. too. Jesus loves you more than you
will know. He is the future, and the right now. How different if Ben had been
told Jesus is the future instead of plastics. Jesus Christ, new and never
recycled. Free book explains all-the Bible. See your church or a friend for a
copy...before they too are against the law. Can't happen, did you ever think
the words "paper or plastic" would be old school?
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biekr.blogspot.com