Week 296

Positive post Sunday, October 23, 2022- Week 296.

As we have moved into fall with the leaves on the trees changing colors and the weather shifting, I am reminded of one of my favorite ways to relax at the end of a challenging day or the start of a new day early in the morning, sitting in my living room listening to the crackling of a freshly lit fire in my fireplace. I have written many of my PPS on a Saturday evening or Sunday morning in front of my fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate by my side.

This past Saturday evening was the first time in a longtime that I brought in a few pieces of wood from the cord of wood that has been aging in the sun in my side yard for almost a year. I lit them up in my fireplace, made a cup of hot chocolate and enjoyed the warmth and crackling of the fire inside while listening to the rain fall outside.

There’s something therapeutic about sitting by a fire, inside or outside, by yourself or with friends, that frees the mind. A warm and inviting fire is my sacred place where, with an uncluttered mind, I’m at peace and able to open my mind and listen to the Lord. When with family and friends, I enjoy thoughtful and heartwarming conversation, often reminiscing about the past, planning the future or solving the world’s problems. I also enjoy snuggling up next to a warm fire while watching a movie or reading a good book. And let’s not forget the many campfires on vacations like at Campland on the Bay and our family tradition of roasting marshmallows to make S’mores (Michele’s with Reese’s peanut butter cups of course). See, my mind is already wandering just thinking about the many fond memories of sitting by a fire and reminiscing about all the blessings in my life. I think I’ll go light a fire now.

Here’s a video of a poem titled “I sit beside the fire and think” by J.R.R Tolkien that sums it up well:

I Sit Beside the Fire and Think by J R R Tolkien – Famous poems, famous poets. – All Poetry

What is your favorite fireside story or experience?

Where is your sacred place? The place you go to free your mind and thank God for all the many blessings in your life.