It was spectacular!
In college, a bunch of us bored underclassmen went out to the vacant BLM land and collected all kinds of fallen timber, left over boards and trash into a single heap.
Then, one of my brilliant classmates took a gallon of gasoline and doused the wood pile. An even smarter fellow, I think he’s a firefighter now, threw a cigarette into the mass and with a whoosh it exploded, sending all of us scurrying.
The flames burned for hours as we stood around, laughing and marveling at our feat. But before midnight, the fire was gone and there were just some smoldering coals. The thrill was gone.
I’ve been behind some big ideas — only to see them flame out. The great vision was fantastic, and there was plenty of excitement. It’s new. It’s different. But I have found that I constantly stoke the coals and add new fuel, the fire will die.
I’ve lost friends just because I didn’t pay attention. I’ve lost love relationships because I let the fire burn out. I lost drive in a job because there wasn’t anything new to rev my engines.
It can be that way with writing, or a hobby, school plans, or career goals. There has to be a way to throw on another log, and then stand back in heat.
Neil Young famously sang, “it’s better to burn out than to fade away.” I’m not sure I want to do either.
What about you? What have you see seen fade away in your life?
[box] What He Said: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28–30). [/box]
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