Up in Flames

Campfires are a normal part of our days in camp ministry. But a bonfire...now that is something special! (especially for our staff pyros!!) About a month ago, we thought we'd get rid of our huge "burn pile" (all the dead branches and brush from around the camp) while some campers were around for the excitement!The branches and brush had all been stacked up in TeePee style, then lit from the base. It wasn't long before the "teepee" went up in flames! Truly an amazing sight to behold!

Whether its a typical camp fire or a humungous bonfire, fires tend to completely mesmerize me. As I sit and watch the wood burning up into nothingness, I am always pulled into a contemplative state of mind.  Crazy, I know, but even through the pictures on this screen, the fire has a powerful effect on me. I don't understand why, but it's as if all the failures, disappointments, and struggles of this past week are being pulled out of my heart one by one and placed in the fire with the wood for the flames to consume. to make room for a letting go. to allow for some kind of cleansing.

  The warmth, aroma, crackling of this cleansing fire bring such comfort!