Don and I have begun ordering two meals a week from Hello Fresh. We receive a box with frozen meat and all the fixings, as well as recipes, for two meals for two. The flavor combinations are wonderful, using unique spices I don’t have in my cupboards.

I’ve always used some salt in cooking. However, almost every recipe begins with “salt and pepper the chicken,” or pork, or beef. I have never thought about how critical salt is to our taste buds until now.

Jesus says we are to be salt and light in a world that is often overcome with darkness.

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 thrown out and trampled under people’s feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. …

Matthew 5:13-16

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Jesus used such practical examples. Salt. Light. Everyday things we often take for granted, at least in North America.

So what are some ways we can be salt and light?

• Sending encouraging, uplifting messages to friends.
• Watching the tone of our social media posts: are they there to build up, or to cause anger?
• Doing an errand for a neighbor in need … shopping, weeding, taking food, sending cards.
• Giving a needed, appropriate hug.
• Listening to someone who needs a caring ear.
• Giving when it is in our power to do so.
• Telling our own story when it will help another realize that help is available, hope can be found, and he or she is not alone.
• Sharing with others the good news of the gospel. Jesus came “to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10) And without Him, we are all lost.

Sometimes we lose our saltiness. I’ve experienced that during times of deep grief or chronic pain. The great news is that our saltiness can be restored as we approach the Father to ask for His help, His peace, His grace and His forgiveness as we walk through each situation. He has promised never to leave nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). Soaking in the truth of His love letter to us restores our soul, and invites us to be honest with Him about our needs.

So, this Labor Day, I thank God for His reminder to be salt and light to the world around me. A world with a lot of grief. Cancer. Rebellious children. Hostility within our country. Friends with Alzheimers’. Homelessness. The loss of loved ones. And I thank Him for those who, despite tremendous setbacks, continue to love and serve others in Jesus’ name.

Father in heaven, as I grieve with those around me facing various kinds of pain and difficulties, I want to thank you for your reminder that I am to be salt and light among them. Often I don’t know how to help. But You do, and I can come to you, asking for your grace, peace, love and provision in their lives. And when I see a need I can meet, help me to do so willingly, gladly, asking your blessing on the giving and the receiving. In Jesus’ name.