The Street-sweeper

Your head was hung low, like you were feeling defeated. I saw you walking down High Street with a broom in your hands, sweeping up the garbage that we've all left on the ground. I wondered what thoughts were running through your head as you picked up after others. Did you feel frustrated that you were always cleaning up after people who seemed so rushed and in a hurry? Did you ever get a "thank you"? Did you spend all day listening to your ipod and your own thoughts and not feeling like anyone walking past really cared about YOU. Do you know that you're loved by Someone who really cares about everything that's going on in your life, and everything that's wearing you down?

I tapped you on the shoulder, and your head came up from the ground. Your eyes looked so sad. "Thank you for cleaning up the streets. It makes a big difference here in Camden." I just felt like you needed to hear that today. You looked at me, your eyes red from exhaustion or crying. You looked back down at the grounnd and then back at me, and I could tell that you really needed to hear that today.

That was on Tuesday, and I still find myself sitting here feeling burdened for you. I don't know your name, but I'm praying that you know the deep, rich love and joy of Jesus today. He cares about you. His yoke is easy and His burden is light.