While I have heard the story of the disciples shaking off the dust when they entered a home before, it felt new when the minister talked about it this week. He also referred to the notion of not bringing their belongings with them, nor food. There were small bags and pencils under our chairs and we were invited to write down things that are better left behind, as unnecessary baggage. 

"Expectations. Resentment. Anger." 

I spelled it out. Benjamin was next to me, and was perhaps unclear about the assignment. So he copied mine. He was especially dear, as he rested his head on my shoulder between songs. Which is not as comfortable as it might be for him were he not already taller than me. But no matter. He leans in.

The speaker suggested that when we leave our own food behind, and graciously accept the offerings of our host it is like resisting the tendency to force our preferences on them. Listen to what they like. Taste it. Chew it over. 

Shaking off the dust symbolizes ridding ourselves of the irritations, and impatience that cling to us when we are trying to walk toward a healthy relationship. Last week I felt annoyed about something that matters less than nothing. I remember being stuck, as if in the mud. But I consciously tried to shake it off, the way I stamp off the slush and grit off my boots when I come in from chicken chores.

No need to lug that dirt into the house.