Tending the Fire

 

Readings 012626

This morning we honor St. Timothy and St. Titus…
and I’m sitting here in the cold and the dark,
no electricity, wrapped in blankets,
trying to keep a little fire going.

And yet—
God has filled this house with life.
The racket of grandchildren,
the footsteps of my children and their spouses,
my mother, my mother‑in‑law,
even the dogs circling for warmth.
A holy chaos.
A blessed noise.

And my simple job today—
keep the fireplace burning,
keep gas in the generator,
keep everyone warm and fed.
Nothing fancy.
Just love made practical.

And in this quiet cold,
I hear Paul’s words to Timothy:
God did not give us a spirit of fear…
but of power, and love, and self‑control.

God gives His own life to us—
His own strength—
so we can share Christ’s mission
right where we stand.

And that gift in us…
that spark of grace…
is meant to be stirred into flame.

So today, in the cold and the dark,
I tend the fire in this house…
and I ask God to tend the fire in my heart—
that I may burn with His love
for the people He has placed in my care.

Prayer

God of all warmth and light,
breathe Your Spirit into me today.
Stir the gift You placed in my heart,
the flame that only You can keep burning.

In the cold and in the dark,
let Your strength be my strength,
Your love be my fire,
Your peace be my shelter.

Amen.