Salt & Light

Ladies,

Are you finding yourself with an empty nest?  Has your husband passed on?  Have your children moved away?  Are you retired?  Do people treat you as though you don't exist?  Do younger people think you are old fashioned?  Do you feel worthless?   Alone?  Getting depressed?

As women, it is in our make up to serve and care for others.  You have given, sacrificed, experienced, learned, cooked, cleaned, washed diapers, mopped up puke, worried, waited, taxied, kept records, made appointments, organized and done for others all your life.  They are gone and what do you have?  You have time, wisdom, experience and confidence.  Let it out!  God's children are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. 

You are children - daughters - of the almighty God, sisters to His first born, Jesus Christ.  You are princesses of the King of Kings,  Ambassadors of Heaven itself.  Part of a royal priesthood.

Salt enhances taste.  Make life taste better for yourself by doing for yourself and enjoying things you never had time for.    Make a list of all the things you have always wished you had time for.  Then, prioritize and begin making them happen.  Attend a community play performance, take a class at the local vocational college, take a course on line, read a novel, attend an opera, play piano, join yoga class, get a pedicure, or a massage.  Call a friend for lunch.  Organize a book club.  Start a group to share memories and photos of your grandkids.  The list is endless.

Be the light of the world.  Where can you best show your inner light from the spirit of God within?  Through a smile.  People are friendlier and drawn to a smile.  A smile and a kind word or thoughtful gesture can make someone else's day.  The world is darker than ever so it is easier for us to shine.  Sometimes the smallest gesture can help someone else. Doing something nice for someone else (even a stranger) gets your thoughts off of your own problems.

I have a friend who has volunteered to care for her son's first baby while the baby's mother is at work.  She has given up her private time, exercise in the morning, errands and much of her socializing to speak "goo goo" talk.  I try to visit for a cup of coffee a couple times a week.  It means so much to her to be able to share an hour with an adult.

 When the clerk at the store ask's you how you are doing, don't tell her.  She was being coached to ask.  Instead, tell her you are great and ask how she is doing.  I am amazed every time I do this how surprised they are.  I am sure not too many people ask her how her day is going.  A friend of mine had a great idea:  If the checker at the store seems to be having a bad day, buy her one of the candy bars that are always near by.  That could soften the crabiest of crabs and make you a new friend.

Small efforts are often the biggest gestures.  Salt your life a little and you could light up the world - or, at least, your corner.

Amen