Sunday, July 4, 2010

Fire-stoking

The last time I went camping was in unseasonably cold weather. The fire on the first night was a very popular spot for everyone involved. It was a great place to hang out, tell stories and stay warm until it was time to sleep.

I was the first up in the morning, which isn’t unusual for me. I walked through the camp while things were still and quiet. Dew covered the ground and it was possible to see my breath. I kept my hands safe in my pockets for warmth.

I saw the remains of the fire, now grey-white ash and black logs. But there were a few glowing embers underneath. Seeing that is like being issued a challenge - and I accepted whole-heartedly.

I carefully selected bits of small and dry scraps of wood as kindling and rested them close to the glowing embers. As they became alight I could add some larger sticks and start to rearrange the half-burnt logs to bring them back to fire-life.

Soon there was a steady heat and some real flames. I added the last few touches, a few large logs to burn. I chose gaps where the flame would rise and placed them against and over the structure of the fire. Beautiful heat began to radiate from the fire, enough to feel that contrast of having a warm front and a cold back.

I felt quite satisfied – even proud – to stand there being warmed by quite a reasonable camp fire. The fire was now ready to warm others as they woke uncomfortably from their camping slumber. It was ready to boil water for tea and again become the centre around which all would gather, restored to a quiet morning version of its evening splendour.

I didn’t start the fire, but I recognised the potential in it.

I can’t grow a fire by thinking, but I thoughtfully selected which things to add.

I couldn’t control the flame, but I carefully added each piece of fuel at the right time.


I enjoyed the challenge of building the fire, and I felt great satisfaction in seeing that warm fire and sharing it.

What fire do you need to stoke?

3 comments:

  1. Hi, there,
    I was just skimming through your blog. I like how you choose to focus on positive things (e.g., joy). In the past, and even now, I find it easy to write or speak about the things I'm discontent with. Sometimes it helps me let off steam, but sometimes I end up just focusing on just being discontent. Noticing this, I've also tried to make an effort to write about positive things more.

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  2. Thanks mate, I felt at the start of the year to focus on joy, I'm still glad I did. It has been a challenge to keep it fresh and real though.
    What's the link to your blog?
    Mark

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  3. i love this post, beautifully written

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