Blogs - Chief of Pray Blog

Recycling for a Higher Power

Do as you’re told. Nobody says that to me anymore; I’m a grown-up now. Of course there are rules to follow in private and public life, and it helps that what I like to do isn’t illegal or immoral. It’s interesting that a challenge to my ordered life came to me from an unlikely source: Styrofoam trays.

My family has two homes, one in Chicago and the other in Florida. We have a very nice condo in the downtown area of West Palm Beach. I’m a bit of a tree-hugger, so it may seem odd that I chose to live among so much concrete and commerce. I did some research, before settling down, and I figured out that my greatest impact to the environment would come from using less oil. I share beautiful public parks, the waterfront, and I can ride my bike, take a bus, or walk, nearly everywhere I go.

When we moved into One City Plaza, I received a very thick packet of condo rules. There are many regulations that make me nuts, but there’s was one rule I just couldn’t accept. Recycling the Styrofoam trays from meat, produce, and egg packaging was not allowed. I had to know why I could sort my paper, metals, and most plastics, but was forced to co-mingle my asparagus tray with the rest of my garbage. Lucky for me, Palm Beach County’s new recycling center had an open house. I was able to tour the new facility and get answers direct from the source.

It turns out that there’s a very good reason we don’t recycle Styrofoam in Palm Beach County. They’re able to burn garbage (including the Styrofoam trays) and use the energy for electricity. It’s actually more efficient than traditional recycling. There was a bigger lesson learned that day. I realized just how important it is for me to understand the logic behind the rules, before I could follow them with a willing heart. I’m not just talking about garbage here.

I’m blessed to have found my place in a faith community, where questioning the rules is required. As a Reform Jew, it’s up to me to learn the why. I’m obligated to study and take on the laws that will enhance my spiritual life. To act in ways that will raise me up as a better citizen. My religion doesn't tell me what to do. It allows me to be a partner with my teachers, my intellect, and my higher power.

Reaching Up and Out

When I feel that I cannot truly help, 
please help me reach up to You.  
Lend me Your strength so that I can see, 
that although I cannot fix the problem itself, 
there are a hundred other things 
that I can do to bring comfort
and a hint of You into her day.
Please help me reach up to You,
so that I may reach out in love.

-Sue Bradford Edwards