The edge of the small, brown leaf glowed orange as it curled in on itself. My hand fanned the tiny spark. The orange brightened and spread to a nearby leaf. I fanned faster, and the flicker smoldered and produced a small trail of smoke. The flame grew. Neighboring leaves caught and began their own dance. With excited fanning, the pile turned from a spark into a blaze. Now the night was lit because I was fanning the flame. 

The Flame

I love a bonfire in the fall or winter. Turning from back to front and back again to heat all sides. The intimacy of sharing a fire with family or friends can’t be beaten. Something about the primal cluster around a fire brings communion. Building the fire brought to mind the verse in the Bible where Paul reminds Timothy to fan God’s gift into flame.

For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit of God does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

~2 Timothy 1:6-7 NIV

Thinking about building the fire, I remembered how the air from my waving hand fed the fire and made it stronger. The spark was already there, but the oxygen helped it take hold.

The Fire

For me, I enjoy expressing myself through writing. Locking the stories in my mind and never sharing would not fan the flame. By continually practicing my craft, it improves and grows stronger. The flame sparks. The more I pour into my writing, the more I offer God. He is the master creator, and the communion I get with Him through the creative process is humbling. It blossoms and grows within me, much like the glowing ember of the fire. 

Additionally, when I share a story, I affect those around me.  God can use my offering to grow others until the flame blazes, and I light a small portion of the world. But only if I fan the flame. 

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

~James 1:17 NIV

Don’t waste your gifts. Embrace and expand them. Share them for His glory.

     Think of a gift or talent God has given you that needs to be fanned.

  Lord, help me not to be timid with Your gifts but always to fan the flame. 

 

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2024: Fan the Flame: Sharon Davis: All Rights Reserved