Midweek Musing/Day 8 of Lent: March 12, 2025

One of my favorite things to do as an assistant principal is to observe teachers in action. Now, I know the teachers in my building might not say the same about being observed, but I truly love watching them teach. Having been in their shoes, I understand the stress of someone watching you, but I also appreciate the incredible creativity they bring to their classrooms. I learn something every time I visit a classroom and always leave in a better mood than when I entered.

In today’s world, where students are surrounded by video games, TikTok, and on-demand entertainment—far different from the Saturday morning cartoons I grew up with—keeping young learners engaged is no small task. Yet, our teachers rise to the challenge every single day.

Last week, I had the privilege of visiting a classroom where a teacher was leading an exceptional science lesson on the difference between physical and chemical changes. Now, just to be clear—all my teachers are incredible, so if any of you are reading this, know that I think you are amazing too! But on this particular day, I watched as this teacher masterfully guided students through an experiment showing how certain substances, even when placed in water, could be restored to their original state.

The construction paper, though wet, remained paper. The lemonade could be separated with the right filters. The saltwater could be broken down into its elements. The students were captivated. By the end of the week, when I was invited back, they had even written songs about physical and chemical changes. It was the kind of lesson they’ll never forget.

As I reflected on that moment, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:13:

“You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled underfoot.” (NRSV)

Eugene Peterson’s The Message puts it this way:

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.”

Here’s the thing—scientifically, salt is one of the most stable elements. It doesn’t lose its flavor because of a chemical change but rather because it becomes diluted by other substances.

Thus, if I understand the text, Jesus is warning us that we don’t lose our purpose or identity in some sudden, irreversible way. Instead, we become diluted—mixed with distractions, influences, and pursuits that pull us away from who God created us to be. When we allow the world to dilute our calling, our ability to bring out the “God-flavors” in life begins to fade.

The season of Lent reminds us that Jesus came not to condemn us, but to restore us. He came so that we might know an authentic life—one not muddied by distractions or distorted by worldly pressures, but one filled with purpose, love, and grace. Christ strengthens us to be who we are meant to be, even when the world tries to pull us away.

So, as we journey from ashes to alleluia, may we remember: We are not beyond restoration. We are not lost. In Christ, we are called back to our truest selves—full of flavor, full of purpose, and full of life.