I have been reading a plan in the Bible by Life Church app, called “The Ten-Day Word Fast.” Today’s devotion revolves around this verse. Salt… seasons and preserves. It adds flavor, a little pizzazz, brings balance. Preserves, saves…. Are my words doing that?

Y’all, if I’m honest I sometimes get wrapped around a to-do list or any other list of concerns. It sometimes seems like I’m the only person in the house who even cares what the strange smell is or wants to not live in an episode of hoarders. Sometimes I forget that my family is made of big and little persons instead of robots or real knights wearing armor and ready to do the bidding of their queen. Sometimes my words are full of pepper, and I don’t even realize it until someone melts down or walks out of the room in deliberate silence. I’m grateful when the grown-up princesses point it out, even though it’s kind of painful. I sometimes really need life spelled out for me in these moments, because I’m really just trying to make things happen for my family most of the time. I need to remember that HOW we get to the park or to bed matters as much as, if not more than, actually getting there. We will be late sometimes no matter what I do, but how will my knights-in-training feel when I drop them off at playgroup? Will Prince Philip walk out to battle injustice and homelessness feeling like a conquering hero or like he is already defeated?

How are your words? What seasoning are you using with your mouth? Are your words speaking life or death to those you love? Are you preserving and improving? May it be so for all of us.