Salt and laughter

Today I give thanks for two dear people. The first is J., a colleague in several ministry settings. J is recovering from a heart attack; we nearly lost him. One of the hardest parts of his new lifestyle has been giving up salt, as much as that's possible. It's challenging when most of our foods contain ridiculous amounts of salt. In solidarity with J., I'm giving up salt, too, not only to become more healthy, but to think of and pray for him every time I make a better dietary choice.

The second person I name is Ruth, my mother-in-law, who would have been 100 years old on this day. I give thanks to her in so many ways, but especially for her gift of laughter. I can still see her reacting to one of the many corny Horn jokes, the laughter coming straight from her toes (which we never saw; she was properly dressed at all times in a skirt, stockings, and tie shoes).

Cheers to J. in his recovery, and thanks to Ruth for her music, her laughter, and her six children -- especially that youngest one. :)