Refiner's Fire

And I will put this third into the fire,    refine them as one refines silver,    and test them as gold is tested.They will call on my name,    and I will answer them.I will say, “They are my people”; and they will say, “The Lord is our God.”

Nobody likes forest fires.  There are even people whose job it is to prevent them.  They are the folks who gave us Smokey the Bear and "Only YOU can prevent forest fires."  In the western part of the United States, these fires often become major disasters burning everything in their paths, forcing evacuation of homes that are sometimes lost to the fires.  Oddly enough, these fires have become worse and worse over the decades because of our success in suppressing them.  Natural wildfires are necessary to keep our woodlands healthy.  These fires are needed to burn out the underbrush.  When they don't happen regularly, the underbrush continues to accumulate and spindly trees rise up and fall and create more underbrush and then when a fire does happen, it creates a monstrous inferno.

Lent is a time for our own cleansing fire.  We've collected a lot of useless underbrush since last Easter.  We've done damage to relationships.  We've strayed away from regular prayer and Bible study and filled that time with television, internet and trashy books.  We've taken more than our share while others go without the basic necessities.  We've turned our backs on our brothers and sisters throughout the world who live in fear or pain or want.

It's time for a consuming fire.  If it doesn't happen regularly, we risk a monstrous inferno rising up within us with no warning.  Give in to the smaller, controlled fire of Lent.  Jesus is there to walk you through it, reminding you that no matter what kind of ugly underbrush hides within, you are forgiven.  You are loved.  You are precious and unique.

Lord Jesus,
Bring on your refining fire. Burn out what is harmful or wasteful within me so that I may shine and reflect your image when I emerge.  Amen.

Joys:  A well-attended and meaningful Ash Wednesday service; a wedding just around the corner; reserving a family beach vacation for later this year