mepastormike

There's just something about a campfire! This week we had guests in our home... dear friends of ours from many years. I had not seen them for about 3 years. My wife and I first met the couple in childbirth classes; both of us first time parents to be. Our sons were born two days apart and they have been friends ever since.
Their visit with us was from Sunday through Wednesday, and each night our oldest boys built a fire in our fire pit out back (and did they ever go through the wood!). I ate so many marshmallows and smores that I'm kinda sick of them... but don't worry my sickness of smores is temporary I assure you. The weather was perfect for a campfire... the nights were cool which made the fire side a pleasant place to be.
On Tuesday evening my friend and I sat on the log seats stoking the fire until about midnight. He and I were the only ones out there for a long time and we just sat for a while and starred at the fire... saying little of nothing. We then started in on a very meaningful conversation that he and I have not shared in for a few years. It was like we picked up on our friendship where we had left off... both sharing of joys, and struggles. We talked about life and of our faith in Christ.
As I reflect back over my life campfires have played a part of many endearing moments... Like the time in junior high at summer bible camp; the first time I felt any type of calling on my life to be a minister (I had no idea what that meant at the time). The many all night fishing trips while growing up, and when my Dad was with us watching how big my Dad could make the fire... I think he just loved to play with fire rather than fishing.
My reading today took me to Exodus, chapter 3... and wouldn't you know it, it involves a camp fire... well, sort of. God and Moses have a very deep conversation through a burning bush. In this conversation God shares with Moses his love and concern for His people. He calls Moses to lead them out of slavery, but Moses tries to convince God he's not the man for the job (a conversation that goes on for a couple more chapters). Needless to say God got Moses' attention and convinced him to do what needed to be done... and it started around a fire.
Yep... you just can't beat a campfire for some much needed therapy!