Salt and Light. We've all heard of it, maybe even went to a summer camp or vacation bible school where this idea was the theme of the event. I can remember learning about salt and light and being the salt and light and thinking "yeah, alright, but how? Just be good to people?" I wasnt convinced that it could be that easy until yesterday.
I am heading out to work; it is pretty early in the morning (not my favorite time of day I will admit) and I am in a hurry as usual. I will also admit that my tendency to always be in a rush does not lead to a very patient attitude. So I am attempting to get on the two lane road that leads to my favorite coffee shop then to the highway towards work; and no one will let me on. Car after car I waited and could not merge. After what seemed like forever a young man slowed down significantly and let me on. As I sped up he passed around me with a friendly wave, and I thought to myself how great it is that there are still nice people in this world...... and that wasnt even the best part!
As I approach Starbucks I see this gentleman's car take the turn into the coffee shop parking lot, and I followed suit. As I walk in to the shop, I notice the man a few people ahead of me ordering his morning cup o' joe, and I take a glance at my watch, observing the time oh so carfully as to not be late to work. A few minutes later it is my turn to order, and the barista tells me my order has been paid for. I look at her questioningly, and she tells my that "that nice guy over there wanted to buy your coffee". I turn around to where she was pointing, and there is the nice merge guy! I pick up my coffee and walk over to say thank you and tell him that was so nice but not necessary. Before I can even begin he says that he noticed I seemed to be having a flustered morning and wanted to do something to help put my day back on track (as it was still early). He continued to say that the previous night, a random stranger did something kind for him and asked him to just Pay It Forward, so that is what he was doing for me. He asked that I keep an open mind about my day and the only thing he requested was that I Pay It Forward to someone else. I was awestruck.
So back to this Salt and Light deal. Matthew 5:13-16 says, "You are the salt of the earth and the light of the world- like a city on a mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Dont hide your light! In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." My devotional this morning used this verse and made the following points. I will quote what they said because I dont think I could have said it any better. They said that God challenges us to "shake things up, and challenge the status quo." By doing this, like salt, we are "flavoring the world". We are also to be agents of holiness in a sin-sick culture and we are to be warm and welcoming to others". This is exactly what Mr. Merge-and-buy-my-coffee guy did for me. I am beyond thankful for this experience for it changed my whole view about my day and the ones that would follow. I now challenge all of you to be Merge-and-buy-someone-coffee people. It doesnt have to be traffic courtesy or coffee, but I challenge you all to do one random nice thing for a stranger every day. They reap the benefit of a kind person's love for God and you feel pretty good too. I know I did when I "Payed It Forward".
In Love and In Christ,
Ashlin
