Playing with Fire

I believe in the spark, the moment of flash that ignites the flame. The spark is born out of friction, things grinding against each other and releasing energy. An unseen spark can ignite a fire that changes everything.

My life is a series of sparks. Many of my sparks are completely unexpected, surprises that flare up to light the darkness.

I was brought up to extinguish fires. Many of the people around me are afraid of fire, and think that putting fires out keeps them safe. I respect fire, and what fire can do. Now I see that it is better to have fire, with all of the potential energy that it can bring, than to feel secure.

I know a lot of people, and organizations, that are fires waiting to happen. They have everything they need to burst into flame, bringing light and heat and energy to the world, but they do not spark. I understand. I have been like them; concerned about the power of change and all it takes to make it happen. They are like piles of kindling, nervous about the potential of a spark. They hold on to what they already are out of fear of what they were intended to be.

I remember the moments of spark in my life. The conversations, times of reflection, insights that lit the fire within me. That fire spreads out into the world, sparking the fire in people around me. The energy of the heat and light make it difficult to remember what life was like before that spark, why we were afraid of the fire.

It is all about the spark, the flash that ignites the flame.

What will spark you into flame today?

Who will you spark into flaming?

How are you playing with fire today?

[Image by matthewvenn]