Grace and Salt

"Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt,

that you may know how you ought to answer each one."

Colossians 4:6

This weekend I spent some time in the mountains, enjoying the change of scenery and change of pace. We did some hiking and swimming but most importantly Josh and I both did some studying. In the evenings we would sit at the campsite under his canopy shelter and have a cup of tea, each of us reading in the Bible and other study books, me Guidestones, written by O.S. Hawkins, and he, a study of Mark. We would discuss interesting things as we came across them, something we were reading sparking a conversation about church policy or preaching styles or the language of Psalms (Psalm 42:7). I didn't however share what came to my mind when I read this verse (I think I was referred to it by the Hawkins book). I'm not sure why, except I was suprised by my immediate reaction and a little stunned. Maybe I need some time of my own to see how I feel about it.

As I read Colossians 4:6 I realized that it was at the center of my desires in ministry. At the core of what I want to accomplish (and I'm not even sure what that is yet - brief glimmers cling to my dreams) there is a desire to be able to ministry in word as well as in deed. To overcome my fear that I will not say the right thing or say what is needed. Those who know me know that my speech isn't always with grace (One word: Sarcasm.) - I'm not crude at all, but I can be a little less graceful that I might should sometimes, usually only among a select few "kindred spirits", not so much in public.

Anyway, the verse struck me deep sitting in the middle of the woods, and has now become the sincere prayer of the Pastor's Wife within me.