You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be trampled under people’s feet.
You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Matthew 5:13-14
My mom arrived yesterday with smiles, hugs and a bag full of gummies. The kids all squealed and clamored for her lap – all except my oldest who cannot have gummies due to her braces. Of course, Grandma felt bad and devised a plan to take her to the candy shop to get candy she could eat. After Grandma left that day, my kids remembered how Great Grandma would always come with a bag of gummies to share with all their cousins. My son was especially proud to get the honor of passing out the gummies. He sweetly shared how he missed Great Grandma. “I miss her too!” I said. In this one simple ritual of bringing gummies, my Grandma poured into him little life lessons of love, responsibility and the joy of giving. Sometimes it is the littlest things, the unspoken acts of love, that make the greatest impact.
Tasteful
My Grandmother was a great baker and one of her secrets was always using unsalted butter. She would add her own salt as needed. This was the secret to her life as well. She added a little bit of ‘salt’ all throughout her life. Her influence and tastefulness is reflected in all her descendants. Jesus tells us in one of his teachings that “We are the salt of the world and warns us not to lose our tastefulness”.
Reflective
In His next statement, Jesus talks about being the light of the world. “A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” We used to live in the city and although it was night time, due to the city lights, my husband and I could always see each other in bed (even with our shades pulled down). It was annoying at first but we eventually got used to the light and found it comforting. The kids never really needed a nightlight then. Sometimes in the darkest of times is when the light reflects the best.
Poured Out
As I meditated on these verses, I wondered how I am doing at being reflective and tasteful. Daily, I am being poured out, but I am not always sure what I am pouring out. Is it tasteful? Growing up, my mom never took us to the candy store, but I am thankful she now pours out that love to my kids. I know she showed us love in her daily acts of service. Grandparents have the years of wisdom and usually the time to pour out love on their grandkids.
Francis of Assisi, one of the most venerated religious figures in history, famously quoted, “Share the gospel and if you have to, use words.” Salt and light – a little goes a long way.
Salt and light
Tasteful. Reflective. Poured out.
How am I beIng tasteful in a tasteless world? Where does God want my salt and light to go?