David and I have been doing some Spring Cleaning lately – mainly going through boxes that have been unopened in our storeroom for a long time. Many of these boxes came from his parents’ home after their death, with the idea that “someday” we would go through them. Well, the “someday” has come!
This past Saturday, we found a box that was filled with newspaper clippings of the many times his father, Bill, had been invited to preach in a town. The local newspapers would often write an article about his visit. We had such fun looking back over all these years. But in the midst of clippings about him, we found one that took our breath away. It was a full 1 ½ page article about his mother from the Greensboro, NC paper, with the headline, “Dean’s Wife Is Cooking Scholar.” You see, David’ mother, Wylodine, was well-known as an amazing cook. Because of Bill’s work, they often entertained in their home, and she spent hours creating unique and tasty dishes for their guests. “Cooking Scholar?” We has such fun with that headline.
I thought of her this week as I have been studying. This Sunday, we will continue in Matthew, looking at Jesus’ words, “You are the salt of the earth.” What did he mean by that image? His words made me think of Wylodine. The seasonings she added to her meals are what made them so special. It was because of her, that, as a young bride, I learned how to use those seasonings and learned that the true taste of the meal was enhanced by those added spices. I learned about peppercorns and mint, anise and marjoram, and so many more. She taught me how to take food from plain to extraordinary.
Could Jesus have been telling us the same thing? How we, as his followers, have the tools to share our extraordinary lives, lives lived with him, with our neighbor? What “spice” has Jesus added to your life? Are you using it to help share the Good News? Let’s talk about those questions this Sunday. “You are the salt of the earth.” Matthew 5:13.
-Pastor Jane