Ash Wednesday/Valentine’s Day: Fan into Flame the Gift That Is Yours
As I sit in front of a blazing fire I am mesmerized by magnificent colors, warmed by its heat and attuned to its crackling sound. The fire is bright, vibrant and energizing. The flames engulf the entire fireplace and then my eye catches one small flame at the end of the log. I think about that one small flame, separate and unique. That flame will soon be part of a growing fire.
Once again I look at the fiery flames. I see sparks flying in all directions. The sparks catch other sparks and the sight becomes even more spectacular. The sparks connect. Soon, there is one flame inside another flame. The flames are part of the bigger fire. So it is with God’s love and my faith.
Each of us is an individual flame of this enormous fire. It is like fire within fire. Each of us is a small but an important part of God’s love-fire. Each of us has a flame that is small and unique but can create something new and transform into new possibilities.
How do I live my faith from that fire burning within me? How do I discern what is my gift, my fire? And then I ask, “How do I fan that flame to share in the mission of Christ?” I appear to be small but am an important part of the larger entity, the body of Christ.
This Lent, in the quiet of our lives, let us reflect on our own unique flame. How will each of us “fan into flame” the gift that is ours to share the love of our God?
Nice reflection. The cold weather of February makes it even more meaningful. Thanks for sharing. Peace, Elizabeth
A thoughtful reflection for the beginning of our Lenten journey. We each do have a unique flame that we can share with others.
Thanks for sharing your flame. So much in our world today needs the flame of justice and mercy and our willingness to speak out boldly of the gospel message. All of course fanned by great love of the Creator, Risen One and Wisdom Spirit.
Lori,
A greeting of appreciation from a Fort Dodge, IA girl to a Des Moines native. First, your message was inspiring and meaningful. Second, I look forward to more newsletters from your ministry that shares the Love we have all received. Onward and upward, Patty
“There is one flame inside another flame.”
It takes each individual flame to make the one fire that will change our world in great need of the fire of love.
Thanks, Lori for sharing this image.