I took the Red Line train into my office several weeks and got off at the Lake Street stop. As I was making my way up the stairs, I noticed a young man in front of me. He was walking pretty fast and was precariously carrying a McDonald’s cup that I assumed had coffee in it.  

In his hurry, however, he spilled a little of the beverage on the floor. I’m sure this is hard to believe, but the floors of train stations are . . . shall we say . . . cleanliness challenged. It’s not unusual to see litter scattered here and there—and I really don’t want to know what kinds of miscellaneous liquids are pooled about.  

But, after spilling some of his coffee, this man stopped, got down on his knees, pulled out some napkins, and started to clean up after himself. I was tempted to stop and say to him, “Buddy, you’re wasting your time. Who knows what else is on this floor?” But instead, I admired and was inspired by him.

I sometimes feel like I have to force myself to read the newspaper in the morning. What has happened in the last 24 hours that is going to anger or sadden me today? More killings in Gaza? This administration dismissing fair-housing cases? Gerrymandering abuse? Our society’s “floor” feels pretty gross these days. But there are still those who get down on their knees and clean up, no matter what.

I think about God’s dismay at the stubborn Israelites. Yet still God offers grace. I remember Jesus’ lament over the state of Jerusalem. And he still heals. I re-read Paul’s letters to early churches who keep tripping over themselves and their egos. And Paul still plants and preaches.

We may sometimes feel the same way about helping our churches. Years of decline wear on us and we wonder whether it’s worth it to give the effort. But our faith compels us to hang in there even when we wonder if our little efforts do anything. It moves me to continue to serve and support our leaders through things like the Fresh Expressions event on Oct. 4 at Journey of Hope UMC in Elgin or the Tuesday Teaching webinars. I am committed to pulling out my napkins every day and chip in to make our world a more hopeful, more joyous place.  

I’m grateful for this mystery McDonald’s man for his small act. It moves me to pull out some napkins to join in.