Another beautiful and inspiring post, Jim. I share all those feelings and memories about campfires, except in my case it wasn't a Christian youth group, but a communist camp, where I first saw and learned to love an open fire. No spirituality there, more often stories of working class revolts and the oppression of the masses. But the atmosphere was the same, and being human, other stuff crept in, like ghost stories, or wondering about the stars (which I also saw for the first time; not a lot of stars in Brooklyn). And of course, later, girls and all that came with that. I have always had a fireplace in any house I lived in (not the apartments, though) and I still love to make a fire, and just watch it, while letting the flames and sparks clear away my mental debris, and allow my soul to hear the small still voice of our Lord. And sometimes, (more rarely recently) even come across a shiny new idea.
Pieces of God’s character seem to be revealed and replicated in fire and smoke. Wind and waves do the same thing.
Our attraction to fire may seem primitive, but perhaps it’s better thought of as fundamental. What if fire has always been a quiet reminder from the Designer of his character: his mystery, power, protection, and sustenance?
If so, then I hope we can learn to delight in the flames at night, enjoying them with family and friends, free of guilt.
Another beautiful and inspiring post, Jim. I share all those feelings and memories about campfires, except in my case it wasn't a Christian youth group, but a communist camp, where I first saw and learned to love an open fire. No spirituality there, more often stories of working class revolts and the oppression of the masses. But the atmosphere was the same, and being human, other stuff crept in, like ghost stories, or wondering about the stars (which I also saw for the first time; not a lot of stars in Brooklyn). And of course, later, girls and all that came with that. I have always had a fireplace in any house I lived in (not the apartments, though) and I still love to make a fire, and just watch it, while letting the flames and sparks clear away my mental debris, and allow my soul to hear the small still voice of our Lord. And sometimes, (more rarely recently) even come across a shiny new idea.
It sounds like the book is going to be fascinating -- I shall eagerly await its completion!
Pieces of God’s character seem to be revealed and replicated in fire and smoke. Wind and waves do the same thing.
Our attraction to fire may seem primitive, but perhaps it’s better thought of as fundamental. What if fire has always been a quiet reminder from the Designer of his character: his mystery, power, protection, and sustenance?
If so, then I hope we can learn to delight in the flames at night, enjoying them with family and friends, free of guilt.
Light, warmth, and peace—marvels all.
TAT