Last Sunday my pastor spoke on the significance of salt. He and some of our other church staff just returned from a trip to Israel. He taught us about the cultural and monetary value of salt to the Israelites around the time Jesus said to his disciples, “You are the salt of the earth….You are the light of the world. A city on a hill…” (Matthew 5:13-14). Our church has been doing a series on In the City for the City. We are learning about how God has placed us where we are to impact those around us. My pastor also mentioned Colossians 4:5-6 which says “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.”
The Saturday night before Sunday morning church, I went to Ann Voskamp’s blog because someone tweeted about how her post was so helpful. I had never visited her blog before. Once I got there I saw the title of her blog, A Holy Experience. I am not kidding you that the Thursday before, a friend of mine had mentioned that she followed this blog. When she did, I wrote the name of the blog down on a piece of paper in my purse. I hadn’t gone to the blog yet from reading the paper. I just happened to get to this same place via a tweet. Coincidence? I don’t believe in it.
Ann had just posted this 25 for Sanity Manifesto…all these things that we should incorporate in our day/life and why. They were so great, refreshing. Not a pressure filled list but a fresh perspective on your day in Jesus, in your purpose, the joy it can hold. And the music playing on the blog just left me worshipful. It’s a nice place to be, that blog 
One of the 25 things really stood out to me. Flame First. She suggests lighting a candle in the morning to remind yourself that you are a light to your family.
This morning I lit a candle as I started my quiet time and just meditated on how it starts here, with me. In the hustle and bustle of the day sometimes I can forget to use words that are full of grace, seasoned with salt, that I may know how to answer graciously. I am always polite with strangers, but am I just as graceful to the beautiful people God has placed in this house with me? What about you? Are you just as gracious to those beautiful people God has surrounded you with in your home?
I might need to buy a few extra candles. I want to continue to be reminded to live out the gospel. And I want to live all of it out right here in my home. Then, me and my house that serve the Lord, we can go out and impact the city. Thanks so much for joining me today as I link up with Amanda at A Royal Daughter and Lauren at MercyInk
Won’t you light a candle with me?
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I love this reminder. I often have to say to myself in my head “have grace” before I open my mouth to respond in person or through a text. My response is much kinder than if I just spouted off my first thoughts.
Ditto! I read something recently about responding not reacting. So instead of getting caught up in the situation I have been trying to slow myself down and just respond, nicely, graciously. I’m getting mental pics right now of that coffee mug that says stay calm and carry on:) So glad you stopped by!
Wow, what a great visual and the perfect way to remember that we are a light for Christ. I’ve needed a bit of an extra reminder of this lately when my patience has been wearing thin with my daughter. Definitely going to be lighting a candle today and remembering this. Thanks for sharing!
Hey! Thanks so much for stopping by:) Once you light a candle you might be hooked! I’ve started doing it each morning and I love having it going all morning:) I’ve already had to go out and buy extra candles.