In typical human fashion, the second of these options won; probably because it meant a lot less effort and it avoided others thinking I was 'weird'. In this case I reached the usual conclusion and stuck to the path, avoiding the rubbish on the ground nearby.
However, after a few more steps I couldn't shake the feeling that I needed to pick the rubbish up. I backpedalled and grabbed the container, along with another piece of plastic also lying in the grass.
Thankfully, as I carried the items I had acquired, I didn't feel the creeping of ants up my arm or the oozing of any sticky liquid on my hand. Instead, as I continued on my way looking for the nearest bin, I realised this small act was in fact a reflection on my respect for the environment. Going even deeper in thought I believe this also reveals some part of my respect and obedience to God.
From the beginning of humanity we have been given the responsibility by God to govern all other parts of creation. Genesis 1:28 says "God blessed them and said to them 'Be fruitful and increase in number, fill the Earth and subdue it' and have dominion …'"
There is a wealth of theological reflection in recent decades on these twin ideas of "subdue" and "have dominion" which in essence conveys the thought that humanity has a responsibility and a duty of care of all that is living upon the earth.
I am not pushing this in an attempt to form a Christian environmentalist group but urge you to consider the small things you can do every day to follow God's word to us about taking care of His creation.
The two pieces of litter I picked up recently won't greatly impact the global problem of pollution or change the attitude about a general lack of respect for the environment; but if I was to do this every day and encourage others I knew to do the same, a much more significant contribution to fighting this environmental problem would occur.
Any contribution we make to protect and respect the environment also becomes a step of obedience to God. Luke 16:10 says "Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much…" Picking up a few pieces of garbage may only be a small action towards a bigger problem but it's an action that shows God you can be trusted with much.
Even if the only result coming from this deed is showing God I can be trusted with more then I want to continue doing the small things I am able to. I want to better respond to God by showing my obedience to His direction for us to look after His creation.
I encourage you to think further about my own reflections about my actions, and also make a commitment to the environment, not because of what I have said but because of what God asks of us.
One idea you may be interested in pursuing is to volunteer for Clean-up Australia day. This event is held on the first Sunday of March each year. For more information you can look at the clean-up Australia day website www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au
Even if you don't join any organised 'clean-up', you may be more aware in future, as I was, of those small pieces of rubbish lying in your pathway.