On a recent family walk, we noticed an area around the pond by our house where a controlled burn was taking place. Of course, being close to a fire was thrilling to the boys, but as I watched the gray-blue smoke rise into the sky and its sweet and sharp scent reached my nose, I was drawn into the scene as a good metaphor for my life.
The careful watchers along the edge of the burn area, they burned because there was too much unnecessary and it needed to be weeded out and swept away in order for the area to flourish. I want to be careful in this because I’m probably the least likely person to have a green thumb, but I started thinking about how this plays out. To me, proliferation equals productivity and even excellence. But as a favorite old movie quote of mine goes:
“Sometimes more isn’t better. Sometimes it’s just more.”
And it takes things like ER visits and eye surgeries to burn off all the things I want to hold on to, the things I think make me look better – the things that will only hurt me in the end and keep me from growing deep and healthy. The refining was never promised as a painless process, but it has been and always will be worth it.
So, nothing of great length or depth on this Spring morning… just the simple challenge from my own heart to yours:
What do I need to get rid of today?
What do I need to joyfully say “Burn it!” to in order to thrive?
Moment by moment.
“When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God…” Isaiah 43:2-3
