life around the fire

I moved the fire ring last weekend at our lake house in NY. As the project nears completion, some things have to be done to facilitate this new phase. Where the camper and the fire ring had been is now used for parking. I moved the stones from our fire pit to their new location on the grass. As I cleaned up the ashes, I began to think about all the wood that had been burned there.

My mind turned from the wood to all the life that was lived around those fires. Dreams were shared, stories were told and re-told. There were a few tears that fell as pain and frustration were expressed. And there was laughter, lots of laughter. Countless cups of late evening coffee where shared together around the dancing fires. Multitudes of hot dogs were roasted on wooden sticks held over the coals. And yes…a few hot dogs fell into the fire as the sticks succumbed to the heat.

In many ways, the fire ring was a microcosm of life the way it is meant to be lived – in community, together. Both joys and pain are best shared vulnerably. We celebrate each other’s victories and carry each other’s burdens. Somehow the joy of the victory is magnified as we share it with those close to us. In the same way, pain becomes a bit more bearable as we allow others to help carry it. The voice of God emerges in the shared conversation.

I hope that you find a fire ring as well. Do life with a community of followers of Jesus. Share your joy. Express your pain. Live together!