Kindling

A cool, crisp fall day in Central Wisconsin. Perfect for gathering kindling for winter fires to come. My wife loves toasty fires in the wintertime.

We have a pile of dead oak branches in our backyard, gathered throughout the spring and summer. Fall is the time I choose to break them up and stuff them into 5-gallon pails.

It's kind of mindless work really. There's not a lot of thought involved in snapping a twig. So my mind is free to wander. And wander it does.

Thoughts of friends and family members come to mind. People who are struggling and are in need of help. Kindling it seems is good for starting prayers as well as fires.

"Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

The sun is getting low in the sky this time of year. It won't be long before there's a blanket of snow on the ground . . . and a fire in the fireplace.

Prayers are kindled by our compassion for others. Who shall we pray for today?