The Covenant of Salt

Salt.

"You are the salt of the earth."

"If salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?"

"It is an everlasting covenant of salt before the L***."

It seasons. Cleanses. Preserves. Creates thirst.

It is more than that. Salt is binding. Made of two elements (sodium and chloride) individually poisonous to man, salt is the bond that brings life.

In the desert, in the wilderness, salt is more precious than gold. It is a the symbol of a covenant of loyalty. If there is salt between you and me, I would do anything for you. I would die for you.

"Covenant people are people who have come through the fire together. They are people loyal to one another. They are people who would die for each other. They are people who refuse to entertain malicious charges against each other. They are people who love one another, who serve one another, who do not need to swear to one another because their word is their bond. Covenant friends are friends tried in the wilderness. When on finds such a friend, he should be grappled to one's soul with hoops of steel" (A Way Through the Wilderness by Jamie Buckingham).

Mom, you have been there through all my wildernesses. You have listened and given advice. You have taught me through words and through life. Your example has been my salt. Thank you.

JJ, you were there in my darkest wilderness. We were there together. You were patient with me when I wandered longer than I should have. You admonished me in my disobedience, and encouraged me through the struggle. And you walked out with me on the other side. Your words have been my salt. Thank you.

Emily, I forsook you in my wilderness, and I am sorry. I wandered long out of my own disobedience, but like the Israelites, I passed off blame. But we have each sought and found forgiveness in each other's hearts, and are now bound together with a stronger cord. Your patience has been my salt. Thank you.

Amanda, I am still learning from you. You stood by me in my wilderness. Your presence gave me strength. I watch you and see the life in your spirit and yearn for the same. You make me thirst. Your liveliness has been my salt. Thank you.

Salt seasons. Cleanses. Preserves. Creates thirst.

Salt binds us together. Thank you for salting my life.