Well readers, winter is nearly over, if you can really call the dry, temperate, sunny weather we have been experiencing, “winter,” at all.
I am kind of hoping that when this column is published, we will have plunged into a late cold snap all across the North West.
It is not that I ordinarily embrace the chill, but I do welcome any excuse to build a fire in our combustion stove.
I don’t like the cold: but I do like a crackling blaze!
I am drawn to the fire.
I love gathering around it, warming myself by proximity to the flames.
In winter, everyone in our household orbits around the fire.
It is the centre of our life style and interaction.
My husband and a mate were blessed by being on hand for the removal of some unsafe trees around town.
Their hard work was rewarded by a stockpile of firewood which will keep our two households toasty, for winters to come.
My main contribution is collecting up kindling and lighting the fire, perhaps you have a similar arrangement at your place?
Ours, is a happy division of labour, where one carts and chops the wood, and the other enthusiastically burns it.
A merry blaze only adds to marital harmony in my mind, but Heaven help my husband Rod, if he lets the fire go out on his watch!
We live in an old house with high-ceilings and drafts.
Energy prices as they are, understandably make us reluctant to use the electric heater.
We can’t afford to let the fire go out.
Natural illustrations, can teach powerful spiritual truth.
Is the fire the centre of your life?
In the Bible, fire is commonly the calling card of Holy Spirit, indicating the very presence and power of God Himself.
Now that’s a fire to gather around. Exodus 13:12 tells us how God led His people in the wilderness by a pillar of fire by night.
If the pillar of fire moved, God’s people moved. They stayed where the fire stayed. God Himself led them.
Follow the flame in the dark times.
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