Maybe you’ve heard that the Dallas Cowboys are 9-1? Maybe you’ve also heard that our rookie quarterback, Dak Prescott, isn’t playing like a rookie and is leading our team to a record breaking kind of season?!
And guess what else he does? He throws away his own trash.
Hopefully, I didn’t lose you when I started talking about football. If I didn’t lose you there, I’m also hoping you have decided to keep reading even after I made the startling revelation that Dak Prescott throws away his own trash.
Let me explain. During Sunday’s game, Dak was sitting on the sideline and the camera happened to be on him. He finished up his drink and threw his cup in the trashcan behind him. Only it didn’t quite make it there. What happened next is what lots of folks are talking about now. Here’s the clip:
As I was watching the game and saw this happen, I pointed it out to my husband. I thought I was the only one who may have noticed it because I am a neat freak prefer things clean. But apparently a lot of other people noticed it too.
I know, I know. Big deal – the guy threw away his own trash. But I think what everyone is talking about and the real point is…who are we when no one is watching? Or when we think no one is watching may be a more accurate statement.
He didn’t know the cameras were on him but he chose to do the right thing even though it was a small thing.
Again, I know, I know – I threw away my trash today after lunch and that hasn’t gone viral. Isn’t that how we live most of our lives? We do small things everyday that are the right things that seem to get no attention. Or does it?
Proverbs 19:17 One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed.
You may have also heard of another guy whose name starts with a “D”…David. This harp-playing, lion & bear fighting young man had been anointed as king but continued doing lots of small, right things.
1 Samuel 17:20 And David rose early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper and took the provisions and went, as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the encampment as the host was going out to the battle line, shouting the war cry. 21 And Israel and the Philistines drew up for battle, army against army. 22 And David left the things in charge of the keeper of the baggage and ran to the ranks and went and greeted his brothers.
I love the details that the Scripture includes. This future king of Israel didn’t despise his small tasks – he diligently performed them as if that was as big as it was going to get.
Life is made up of some really cool big moments – like leading your team to a 9-1 season or winning a fight with a very large man.
But more of life is spent on the sidelines or in the pasture…less on the actual football field or battle ground with crowds cheering you on. More at your favorite coffee shop that you frequent every morning with the usual barista…less leading your monthly small group. More time at home with your family…less time on a stage leading worship or teaching.
More moments happen like when you throw away your own trash and supposedly no one is watching.
But maybe they are watching. And more importantly, God is watching.
Hebrews 6:10 God is not unjust. He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name as you have ministered to the saints and continue to do so.
I think that includes the cleaning crew at AT&T stadium in Dallas, Texas.
I will admit I’ve grown weary in well doing…often. But if only I could remember that the small things I do are in service to a big God…who sees it all.
Go Cowboys. ~Anu
