 |
| SOURCE: WWW.RECULTURED.COM |
How do you keep a fire burning? Unless of course you have a modern fireplace, like we do, which you can turn off and on with a switch, you must continue to add fuel and stoke the fire, otherwise the flame and the warmth it provides will fade.
Currently, I feel like I have too many fires burning. They all need attention. I can't let them burn out, because their warmth is needed by someone or something. How do you decide...which fire is most important or needs the most attention, who/what needs to be kept the warmest?
Unfortunately for me, the fire which has been taking much of my attention lately is my work fire. Although I don't feel that this fire is the most important, when compared with my family, church, and other commitments, it is the one that seems to need the most fuel and prodding to continue burning. This leaves me feeling empty and tired at the end of the day.
Also unfortunate, is the fact that this work fire is the least interesting to me. It's flames are weak and it's color is not vibrant. When I look at my family fire, I see sparks of light, that need a place to land. It needs more stability to burn to it's fullest potential. I also look at the blog fire, which seems artificial, lately. Filled, but with less substance.
All these fire analogies got me thinking about fire safety, and what I was taught in elementary school. What to do in case you ever find yourself on fire. I'm sure you remember. Three simple words. Stop. Drop. Roll.
In October, when I attended a women's retreat, the speaker, gave us a new way of looking at these three words. She said this: Stop...negative thoughts. Drop...to your knees in prayer. Roll...your cares to Him. At the time, I thought it seemed a little silly and simplistic. But, I wrote it down anyway. Now, I'm thinking, with the way life seems to be right now, simple is good.
In the Old Testament, God is likened to a devouring and consuming fire several times. Also, in the story of Pentecost, in the book of Acts, the author speaks of the Holy Spirit settling on the people, in the appearance of flames or tongues of fire. Fire is also known to be cleansing and purifying.
So, here's what I make of all this:
1. Stay with the basics. Stop. Drop. Roll. Simple, yet effective.
2. Let God be the all consuming fire. Let Him fan the flames, keep the other fires burning when you can't.
3. Don't let those little sparks go unnoticed. Recognize their need for nurturing, for more attention.
4. Don't give up on those fires that provide beauty. We need their beauty, especially during the times when the other fires are barely burning.
How do you keep all your fires burning?
6 comments:
Great post! When I have it figured it out, I'll let you know. I too find it hard to balance everything. On nights when hubby is gone for days at the station, I work a long day, sit in traffic, eat and log back onto the computer to work more and blog before bed...I wonder how would I do it if I had children? I barely have enough energy for me. I think as women, we never feel like we are enough. That our house isn't clean enough, that we aren't working hard enough, eating healthy enough, praying enough. And the list goes on. Why is that?
I wonder if the men in our lives feel this way, too. It is definitely a balancing act...and I always feel like I'm dropping something. I am grateful that I have so many in my life to help me pick up the pieces.
I'm very grateful for these three words, you explain in your blog! Precious to me. And yes, I wish our familyfire flared up ... Maybe computer off in the evening :-)
I love this analogy, Sybil! Beautifully written!
I read this a few days back and was unable to comment at the time but wanted you to know that your expressions and words have a way of resonating. I wonder if you realize how much you may be helping others as you sort through 'times'. The analogy is beautiful. Aside from post-it notes and auto-reminders set in the phone, many of our little sparks would go out. My husband and I had talked about the similar but compared it to 'having too many tabs open on the comp, system failing'. We like these steps and are using them to keep things prioritized!
Thank you, Kristine. I write from the heart in an effort to sort through my own emotions. I started blogging in hopes of reaching others with these words. Your words have been very encouraging.
Post a Comment