He caught me putting the empty McDonald's cup under his windshield wiper. We had a fascinating conversation. I'm actually kind of happy with myself--and with him.
Monday morning as I drove into our church lot I saw a car parked at the far end. It looked like a young man sat in the driver's seat. This happens often; a huge high school is across the road. I also noticed a pile of trash sitting on the asphalt beneath his window. Unfortunately, this also happens often. After parking I started walking the fifty yards toward him. He backed up and squealed away. I got his license.
After waiting an hour I picked up his trash (the McDonald's cup, an empty energy drink can, and a Burger King bag a crow was picking through as I walked up). I drove over to the high school and trolled through the lots until I found his car. As I put the trash under his windshield wipers he came out and caught me. It seems he's a senior who only has one class on Mondays. He yelled something I won't type. I turned and, more calmly than is my habit, said something like, "If you don't want me doing this, don't dump it in my lot."
But from that difficult beginning we went on to have a good talk. He apologized and so did I. He told me about the crappy job he had to go to, but added that at least he had a job. He asked if I was the priest. I told him no, the minister, and explained the difference in about twice as many words as he needed. Then he asked me The Question: "So do you really believe in a god?"
Yes, we had a really good conversation. Thank you, Lord.
