The soldier in green sees to the organics our household creates. Joining a disparate melange of old life, it is gratifying to see new life blossoming in the verdant depths of this stalwart guardian. Excess grass, leaves, small branches, nestling in the copious confines; valiantly and selflessly continuing the Circle of Life to some day bring new life to a patch of earth somewhere.
One other soldier of the trio stands apart. Adorned in light blue, it has been given the task of holding separate those riches which will participate in their own inorganic "Circle of Life." They will return to serve us as paper, plastic bottles, reformed vessels of glass, etc. As old materials are accepted, there is a since of satisfaction and accomplishment as some of his "boomerang buddies" return once again to multiply their own usefulness as well as the blue soldier's gratification.
The gray uniformed soldier has the most difficult and possibly the most important duty of the three. Keeping track of the most noisome refuse of the family, he stands watch, keeping the dangerous offal away from the the protected. Until relieved, there is little respite. Truly a vessel of dishonor given the messiest, smelliest, least regarded material exposes the task taken on by the faithful gray soldier.
"But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work."
--2 Timothy 2:20-21
Sometimes i feel like a vessel of dishonor, trying hard to purge myself. Ever feel that way? It is good to know there is hope, springing up all around.
