“I have sprinkled my bed with myrrh, aloes and cinnamon. Come, let us drink our fill of love until morning. Proverbs 7:17-18

“Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalted, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.” Mark 9:50

A meaningful moment happened yesterday in my kitchen. I was reaching for the cumin, and it hit me (not the cumin, but a “meaningful moment”). Could the old adage, “variety is the spice of life,” be true? I would propose that if we share of ourselves (be a spice in others’ lives), that it is indeed true!

So, I started to see what the Bible had to say about spices, and discovered that spices and herbs are mentioned 4,466 time in the Holy Scriptures. Coriander, mint, dill, cumin, cinnamon, salt, saffron, caraway—to name a few, all spice up God’s words. Spices were traded, given as gifts and used for burial. “So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews.” John 19:40

Throughout history, spices have been touted as the optimum way to enrich the flavor of foods. The word enrich means to improve or enhance quality. What if we could be the impetus that could improve or enhance the quality of life for our family, friends and the stranger in need? Our world would be bursting with taste, zest and a rich essence! Basically, what spices do for foods and our health, we can do for others. So I ask that you suspend your belief for a few minutes and see yourself as, yes—a spice.

Spices boost flavors in food. You can help boost someone’s mood by providing love, prayers and support in challenging and difficult times.

Spices can help prevent spoiling. Did you know that spices are used in some meats to help keep them from rotting? What if we, through our words and actions, provided loving correction and direction to someone who may be on the wrong path.

Spices can make bland foods more satisfying. As a spice to the world, we can share enthusiasm, and God’s love and peace with everyone we meet. Day-to-day life can become monotonous, but we can take the bland times and add joy and fulfillment.

Spices offer health benefits. Many spices have properties that can help heal. You may not actually get to heal someone, but adding your spice to other’s lives can help support them through an illness. And, being that spice, we can help recognize and support someone struggling with depression, anxiety or another mental health disorder, and encourage them to seek professional help.

Spices sweeten foods. Simply, sweeten the world with your compassionate actions and words.

So next time you reach for a pinch of salt, a tablespoon of sugar or a shake of cumin, also add a little of your own spice to enrich someone’s life.  Any time of year is the best “season” for you to give of yourself, and be the spice of life!