Have you ever noticed that fire has a quality that puts us almost in a trance like state? Sitting around the bon fire in my backyard in the summer time I often find myself sitting there quietly, staring in to the flickering flames with no intent, no purpose, just calm. In the winter, one of my favorite places to be when I’m home is sitting beside the fireplace, feeling its warmth, watching its glow cast shadows across the room.
Summer or winter, beside the fire is definitely one of my favorite places to be. There’s something about the quiet of a fire with nothing but logs crackling and flames dancing that really puts me at ease. In the midst of yet another hectic week, I could use a night like ones mentioned above more than ever. It’s in these moments of quiet that I’m finally able to take a second to think, breathe, and seemingly forget about all the pressures of everyday life.
Attending a Holden service this evening, we were given the chance to light our own candle and place it on the altar. Watching the candles flicker in the front of the church was awe inspiring as I began to recognize the significance of each one. Each flame was a reminder of Jesus’ presence on in our lives as the light of the world. Lighting our own candles, the flames signified our thoughts and prayers being offered to Jesus, taking them out of our hands, admitting we can’t face them alone.
So much of my time is spent running from one thing to the next, distracted by one thing, preoccupied by another. Though I usually feel as if I’ve got it all under control, I know I don’t. At the end of the day I am frazzled and rushed but with God there’s another way. Through prayer and reflection we must surrender our will and put trust in God. We must be willing to submit all of ourselves to His works and His purpose. Sometimes we just need to take time to light our candle, stop, look, and listen.
1 John 1:5, Jeremiah 29:11-13
- a.e.
p.s. I found this video on YouTube and thought I would share it. Go light your candle … Go light your world.
Amy Engle (a.e.) is currently a sophomore Digital New Media and Graphic Design double major at Creighton University. With interests in new and emerging media sources a blog seemed like the perfect way to get started. Faith has always been a central part of Amy's life. Growing up in St. Louis with her parents and four brothers church was a weekly event. Now at a Jesuit University, she has realized the importance of developing ones own personal faith and discovered the benefits of looking for God's presence in daily life. Check in for new updates every Wednesday and Sunday!
Amy, I always love reading your blog. It’s so insighful and puts a smile on my face.
Love you girlie!