Date: 2014-02-10
To: Salty
Miles today: 0.0

I find it really amusing that this term "salty" has come up in three different contexts for me lately...First was last week at work when the kids/staff would often refer to someone who was acting sour or grumpy as "salty." I interpret this use of the word to suggest the metaphorical roughness of something/someone that is course or over "seasoned." (which sort of goes along with other thoughts that popped up this week)Second, when my new friend Hopeful (known via Trail Journals and just so happens to already be close friends with Anne/Stride, who will be hiking the first few days with me) sent an encouraging email mentioning his prayers that we will be "light and salt in the hiker community," because "the purpose of salt is to bring out flavors." He encourages us not to get too "salty" - though he didn't use the term as such, it fits - when we may feel like complaining. He hopes that we may have the "wisdom to know how to season our speech" (Colossians 4:6) that we won't be or create overly "salty" people by speaking impurely, but rather "season" it just right. That we may enjoy our hike (in Him) and it be obvious to those around...Third, my jaw dropped Sunday morning (I think it was the first time I quite literally felt that sensation) when Rev. Darling introduced the passage for the sermon - Matthew 5:13-20 Jesus said, "You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored?" The Rev. pointed out that it seems strange to suggest that salt could lose its flavor, but just as a sour person might be called "salty," so an over salted dish might be considered to have "gone sour." Salt, as our relationship with God, ought to be treated as precious and not abused. I am not to be flippant about my relationship with Christ, but treasure it..."So if we are the salt of the earth, then the door has been opened to many opportunities for us.We present the possibility of being a purifying factor against the pollution of our world.God invites us to be a cleansing presence,by living the pure values of divine love -of peace not warof health not diseaseof justice not prejudiceof tolerance not discriminationof affirmation not opposition..."-Rev. DarlingThis calls to mind another passage from the book I am reading, Tales of a Female Nomad, which challenges me not only to hold my ground where it counts, but also to let go and humble myself, so I don't get too "salty" I guess..."As we sit on the ground, cars blowing exhaust in our faces, we eat, tossing the papers and wrappings into the street. It is hard for me to throw garbage into the street; I can feel the years of conditioning pulling on my arm as I toss. I think about picking up our trash and finding a garbage pail; but I think again. I am a friend, not a teacher. If I pick up after them, I am making a judgement that says I know better than they. Even if I walk with my own garbage to a pail, I am making a statement.I am an invited guest. I do as they do."-Rita Golden GelmanHm...Now I know that people won't be littering on the trail (I hope not!), but you see the point? This is difficult for me, because I think my high standards sometimes do threaten to turn to self-righteousness. And that is NOT how I want to present myself.How can I be a cleansing presencewithout making a big stink?Just something I am thoughtful of...Jenn