It\u2019s a phrase I\u2019ve come to conclude, few of us understand. Fewer still, consistently employ\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Let our words be seasoned with salt.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Perhaps we should first note ten of the plethora of purposes for salt:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Funny. We oft think of salt on our veggies, meat, and absolutely anything potato. But imagine the keen wisdom when applied further to our words\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Salty words hold things together, alleviating the unpleasant and distasteful. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Salty words actually allow for the healing of what\u2019s sore, swells, and stings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thus, salt, in its more intangible form, equates to an unparalleled graciousness. Kindness, and tolerance, too. It is a form of speech that is tender and truthful, undeniably thoughtful. Even when tempting to do otherwise, to season our words with salt means to resist any condemnation or complaint, bitterness or boast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And this is for always, friends\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n In life. And death. Even when it\u2019s hard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I read recently how death is the ultimate equalizer. And how even then \u2014 maybe even more \u2014 our words matter much. We don\u2019t speak ill of the dead \u2014 meaning we still employ the salt seasoning \u2014 because death humbles us all; we each will face the same fate one day, standing no doubt, before an active, living and loving God. I will add one tangent, personal comment \u2014 and maybe this is my emotion speaking more than my logic. But one of the most unattractive things to me is the modern day usage of social media to denigrate the dead. I don\u2019t care who the dead is. I simply see that as an utter absence of wisdom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So let me be more personal for mere moment more\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n Someone I deeply love passed away yesterday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He was gift to me and my family. He loved us deeply and we loved him back. What a joy it was to watch him interact with my sons over the years. He\u2019d play with them, joke with them, ask them great, probing questions\u2026 never offering judgment, even through those oft-erratic, hormonal teen years. He was hospitable always, gentle and unquestionably loyal. He was so generous with us. Always. He loved Jeeps, British Labradors, and a good pot of coffee. He always had a full pot waiting for any waking in his home. He was faithful, sincere, and encouraging of me since my earliest days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I remember, in fact, as a kid, hanging at summer family camp \u2014 and it being one of those situations in the evening where the adults were gathered round, playing games, but only the older kids were really capable of playing. I was 6 or 7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The adults were playing Rack-O,<\/em> the classic card game in which you \u201crack \u2018em and stack \u2018em,\u201d so-to-speak. Bob, always inviting and aware of who\u2019s in the room, asked me to be his partner, making me feel included, affirming me even then. From that moment on, he and I always played together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bob was always good at seasoning his words with salt. He would add a subtle, keen wit, too, of course \u2014 another admirable gift.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Death, undoubtedly, puts life in perspective, if we pause long enough to embrace the sobering lesson. So after silent tears shed still this morn, I\u2019m off to the store today. Need to buy that Rack-O<\/em> game. Need to teach my kids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n May we always honor others, friends. With deep gratitude…<\/p>\n\n\n\n AR It\u2019s a phrase I\u2019ve come to conclude, few of us understand. Fewer still, consistently employ\u2026 Let our words be seasoned with salt. Perhaps we should first note ten of the plethora of purposes for salt: Salt preserves. It enhances texture. It adds flavor. Salt is a binding agent; it holds things together. Salt keeps fruit … <\/p>\n
\n
\nWith our actions. With our words. No matter what.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"