CAMPFIRE SECRETS

The campfire carries its own secrets. The very sticks, limbs and pieces of wood who thought they had no further use, no purpose, no destiny; are picked up, gathered up, cut up, and used in the ritual of the campfire. When it appeared that natural process would leave them to rot as humus for the forest, they without warning became chosen and used for the fire. What appeared as stagnation and dull repose, turned into a last rite of blazing glory, splendor and usefulness to accompany someone’s dreams at the campfire.

The pieces of wood that were of substance and strong give way to the flames and turn to chunks, coals, and embers reminding those sitting nearby of mortality and the end of things as they are now known. Thoughts such as ‘ashes to ashes and dust to dust’ causes one to slap themselves out of a downward spiral while pouring another cup of strong syrupy campfire coffee while dreaming of life, protection and provision.

If you have not enjoyed campfires you have missed one of the great ways to form critical thinking and systematic processing of both simple and difficult truths. But it is not too late. Just find a safe place, some dry wood, a few hours to meditate and you are set. The campfire has its own purpose and message to bring to us depending on this single thing: Whether we are sitting alone and isolated or sitting with others. What we learn and experience alone by the fire is for us alone. What we learn together is for together reasons. But one of the greatest mysteries of the campfire is that we can be alone at the fire even when we are together. The campfire has that power and influence.

“For lack of wood the fire goes out” (Proverbs 26:20).

“They saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread.  Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have just caught. Come and have breakfast.”  Jesus