Table Salt: In mint condition

Attending church as a young adult, I got involved in a few committees within the congregation. The church my husband and I attended at the time was where we got married, as well as my parents, aunts and uncles. Many would call it our family’s church. I enjoyed brainstorming ideas and being a part of kicking them into action. Sitting in a circle during a planning meeting, I’ll never forget the conversation. 

A woman expressed a concern for our church and its well-being. I listened carefully at first, thinking this sounded really serious and something that may need to be addressed. However, as she poured out her opinion, I flopped back in my chair and swallowed the sour taste I had just gotten. 

This woman had a big issue with an older gentleman who thrived on arriving early to church to be a door greeter. After losing his wife, he spent many days and nights alone, but when Sunday arrived, he knew he had people counting on him to welcome them in with an open door and hug. The concern the woman had wasn’t about his greeting skills or his ability to hold the door open, but his breath! She commented that his mouth put off an awful odor in the morning, and ultimately, she was concerned it would turn people away from the church. 

Even though I was a young adult, I was full of opinions on this subject. I held my tongue and just waited to speak what I was pretty sure was God tapping on my heart. My brain flooded with thoughts. Where is the grace? Does anyone care about bad breath? We all have it. Are we welcoming anyone and everyone like the Bible calls us to? When the time was right, I asked her what she felt the answer to her problem might be. Her response was sharp and quick, “Make him eat a mint!” I’m thankful for this discussion, for it helped shape me in more ways than one. I already knew that God loves each one of us just how we are, bad breath and all. Also, I am confident that God knows our hearts and true intentions. 

The door greeter felt called to show up early and welcome each person into the building. God knew he was serving out of his love for Jesus. If you have ever been hurt by the church, just know that a church is made up of broken sinners. They are not people who do all the right things but a group of people gathering to learn more about strengthening their walk with the Lord. It is not the church that hurts others but humanity. 

God wants you to have the confidence to show up just as you are to surrender your life to Him. If you ever encounter someone who thinks you need a breath mint, just smile and know that person must need more grace, then extend it. God does not require us to be in mint condition to serve Him and be loved by Him. 

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9.

Contact Ashley at ashley@tippgazette.com

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Tippecanoe Gazette

Attn: Ashley Spring McCarroll

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Tipp City, Ohio 45371