SALT
I have always thought I was a sweet (as opposed to savory) person. Chocolate or chips... is there really a question? But let's go beyond the tastebuds. To the memories, associations, sensations, practical uses, and even religious references accompanied by the most precious mineral of all.
Tears. The refreshing, cleansing, renewing, and exhausting release of the deepest of emotions. Whether distress, grief, pain, sadness, discouragement, frustration, or any number of uncomfortable emotions...what would we do without this physical relief of pain? They are often what clear my head, what bring me to God in total submission, and what remind me that it, whatever it is, will pass.
Sweat. One of my favorite recurring memories is the dried post race salt on my face after the moisture has evaporated. The image of white lines of salt on my tank top after an intense workout. The sight of beads of sweat forming from each pore during a hot yoga class. Clothes drenched from spin class. Gratitude that I have a body that can work hard, cool itself off, and recover from physical exertion.
The ocean. The feeling of salt in my hair and on my skin as the sun dries my body. The taste of it on my lips long after I have left the beach. The buoyancy in the ocean water creating memories of bobbing in and out of the waves (just beyond the break) with friends, sisters, and Dad.
Christ admonished His followers during His Sermon on the Mount to be the salt of the earth. Salt brings flavor. He taught us to seek our spiritual gifts; that we are each uniquely needed. As we use these gifts to help others and to glorify God, they will be multiplied. In this way we season the earth with our unique gifts and talents. Salt also heals. In the same way that iodine heals wounds, and salt water soothes sore throats, we are called to be instruments in one another's healing. To bear one another's burdens, comfort those in need of comfort, and mourn with those that mourn.
What would the world be like without salt? I don't want to know. I'm just grateful for everything associated with that blessed mineral. Including pickles.
I have always thought I was a sweet (as opposed to savory) person. Chocolate or chips... is there really a question? But let's go beyond the tastebuds. To the memories, associations, sensations, practical uses, and even religious references accompanied by the most precious mineral of all.
(Sweet Shane! I will forever love this boy)
Tears. The refreshing, cleansing, renewing, and exhausting release of the deepest of emotions. Whether distress, grief, pain, sadness, discouragement, frustration, or any number of uncomfortable emotions...what would we do without this physical relief of pain? They are often what clear my head, what bring me to God in total submission, and what remind me that it, whatever it is, will pass.
(I don't think I've ever had so much salt on my body as I did after this race)
Sweat. One of my favorite recurring memories is the dried post race salt on my face after the moisture has evaporated. The image of white lines of salt on my tank top after an intense workout. The sight of beads of sweat forming from each pore during a hot yoga class. Clothes drenched from spin class. Gratitude that I have a body that can work hard, cool itself off, and recover from physical exertion.
(Cacacacabo)
The ocean. The feeling of salt in my hair and on my skin as the sun dries my body. The taste of it on my lips long after I have left the beach. The buoyancy in the ocean water creating memories of bobbing in and out of the waves (just beyond the break) with friends, sisters, and Dad.
Christ admonished His followers during His Sermon on the Mount to be the salt of the earth. Salt brings flavor. He taught us to seek our spiritual gifts; that we are each uniquely needed. As we use these gifts to help others and to glorify God, they will be multiplied. In this way we season the earth with our unique gifts and talents. Salt also heals. In the same way that iodine heals wounds, and salt water soothes sore throats, we are called to be instruments in one another's healing. To bear one another's burdens, comfort those in need of comfort, and mourn with those that mourn.
What would the world be like without salt? I don't want to know. I'm just grateful for everything associated with that blessed mineral. Including pickles.
