We are the light of the world.
Matthew 5:14
You are the light of the world–
like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden
We need to protect our flame.
Keep the flame burning.
The care intentional.
Purposeful.
I can be a crab.
It’s true.
Ask any member of my family.
Some days I have a right.
The kids have not cleaned up their clothes or belongings.
They are disrespectful and selfish.
And I speak to them about this.
But other times.
I am just crabby.
I say things I shouldn’t.
I speak before I have thought through. . . all of what I was going to say.
(My farmer shakes his head)
I lash out.
Sometimes I even pout. At my age.
I should know better.
But sometimes it feels good.
I know better.
I need to fan the flame. I need to make sure that it won’t go out.
Our flames are fanned by the very things we do to keep our focus in the right place.
I withdrew this week.
I stepped away from the chaos and craziness.
It wasn’t easy.
I struggle with guilt.
I wrestle with all that needs to be done.
Luke 5:15
And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.
Usually during a vacation.
This year has been difficult.
Her mom took her final breath and walks in Glory now.
So we wait until now.
We talk.
We cry.
We remember.
I can feel the flame grow stronger.
I worry about the house, my farmer, the kids.
I text often.
My farmer sends me a cute text with a quote from the movie, Mom’s Night Out.
I laugh, but I know he wants me to be happy.
I feel the flame stronger.
My friend and I laugh.
We talk of faith.
We remember the years gone by.
And still the flame grows stronger.
When we reach out and fan that flame, we keep it strong.
In the quiet I read the Ancient Word.
I drink a hot cup of coffee.
I continue to fan the flame.
I breathe deep.
I praise God for each of these blessings.
For the gift of the flame and grace He gives to keep it going.
What are you doing today to fan that flame?