Be a Log…Not a Leaf

Dennis and I have a chiminea that we like to use when it gets cooler. We are never at a loss for kindling or firewood, since we live on a very wooded acre. One evening, Dennis had it going so well, there were flames shooting out of the top and we actually had to scoot back because it was putting out a LOT of heat!  

As it died down a little, Dennis threw a handful of twigs in the fire, ones that had some dead, crunchy leaves on them. They immediately caught flame and the heat that came from that flash was welcomed, but incredibly intense. Just as fast as they caught on fire, they quickly fizzled out as the leaves were consumed. While still staring into the fire, Dennis said, “Christians are like those leaves…sometimes we’re on fire for God, but we burn out quickly because we have no substance. Unlike the slow-burning logs that maybe aren’t as flashy or bring instant gratification, at least they are in it for the long haul and over time, continue to produce more lasting results.”  

He looked at me and almost simultaneously we said, “HOPE Note!” There are so many lessons from God in our day to day, if we are open to all He shows us. When we first come to know Jesus, we’re so hungry for the Word and thirsting to be quenched. But unless we find a church and get connected with like-minded people, we sometimes find ourselves quickly fading away, losing our excitement for God. When we take time to nurture our relationship with Jesus, we can expect a slow warmth to build inside of us…a warmth that will sustain us for the long haul, allowing us to produce more lasting results. 

Be a log…not a leaf.