(my sweet boy, Isaac, hoping to toss a frisbee…)
I took my three children to the park yesterday in the late afternoon. In theory it is still spring. However, yesterday it seemed that summer was here. It was HOT. And by hot, I mean the kind of heat that closes in on you and hovers with no way of escape, and it makes you sweat.
My son, Isaac was not in favor of the warmer temperatures. In fact within 15 minutes he was crying, and at the top of his voice he was sharing with everyone there that he wanted to go home. I tried to distract him, sit in the shade for a bit, swing, slide, water fountain – none of it worked. We all went home, exhausted and damp.
Later in the evening (before his bath I might add), I gave Isaac a kiss on his little forehead. I found my lips tasted salty from the little peck. I was reminded at that moment, that sweat from our pores produces salt. Nothing new here, I learned that in grade school.
I do find it very interesting that God produced our bodies so that when the heat is on we produce salt. Could this be a physical picture of what He hopes for in every believer’s life? It really got me to thinking – when situations get really hot in my life – what do I produce? When I’m under pressure and people are around, does my life produce the salty essence of Christ? Or, do I just stink?
“Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other.” (from Mark)
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” (from Colossians)
When the temperatures are rising, I should be glowing with His spirit, with His love. As hard as this seems, I hope the hot weather this summer is a reminder for my heart and mind. May my life, my actions be flavored with a seasoning of the Holy Spirit. Let me be salty!
(originally written May 5, 2010)
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