I sat on the stump and gazed into the flames.I watched as they danced and sang their old crackled tune, sending light into the moonless night. Somehow I felt myself drawn into their mystery. I was sitting close enough that the heat was starting to singe the hairs on my arms, but by moving just a hair back I would lose the feeling and warmth of the fire entirely. The smell of the burning wood made the night feel like home. As frightening as the darkness around me was, I found great hope in the little circumference of light that was shining into the shadows as far as I could reach.

It’s funny how much this fire is like our life. We never want to go beyond the reach of its light, because this is where we find safety.

Good night world!