Chaplain’s Column

I confess to a bit of “snow envy” this time of year, as I see pictures on the news or social media. I grew up in the harsh winters of upstate New York; my Vermont college years included more January time on ski slopes than in the classroom; and even my adult life in Ohio brought winters punctuated by hefty snowstorms. Although I have lived in the South for years now, it is still difficult to embrace short sleeves as the calendar turns to January.

Throughout the holidays, then, my wife and I were happy to discover a Texas-style fireplace in our home. By Texas-style, I mean that it is really just a fancy light. With a flip of a switch, the “coals” glow a beautiful orange, and the “flames” flicker with surprising realism. Yet it puts out absolutely no heat – which is convenient on a 75 degree Christmas Day.

While watching those flames, it occurred to me that there is something very healthy about the effort to mimic the cozy experience of a fireplace in a snowstorm. When heavy snow is in the forecast up north, we scurry to check our food and supplies, bring firewood in from the woodpile, and perhaps to gather candles and flashlights for the inevitable power outage. Then the storm hits, schools and businesses pause, and we stay off the roads if we can. A peaceful, unearthly blanket of quiet settles in, and we curl up in front of the fire with books or board games.

Okay, that may be an idealized picture, but it is not far off. So, is there any value to a mock fireplace in Texas? I am convinced there is. Weather may not force it on us, so we reach it only by choice, but creating that cozy firelight mood has rich benefits – benefits that we can choose, whether or not we have an actual fireplace.

Firelight invites a PAUSE. We spend endless time racing from our scheduled employment, to our scheduled recreation, between our scheduled meals, until we plop down in front of our scheduled TV programming. We come to find our value, even our identity, in our busyness. To curl up in the firelight takes the focus off of our accomplishments and entertainment, and invites us to focus on who we are rather than what we do.

Because of this, firelight invites a PEACE. When we are scrambling about, fighting off poverty or boredom or decay, peace seems distant. When we feel endlessly competitive with rivals for success or possessions, we are locked in a continual battle with the world and its people. But in the firelight, we rest. We can experience the contentment of a God who loves us, who blesses us, and who invites us to see beauty in our world, rather than threat.

Therefore, firelight connects us with PEOPLE. Just like cozying up by a fire that may mean remembering to cultivate a romantic relationship; or cherishing memories of loved ones past; or giving needed attention to a hurting friend or a celebrating family member. It is an invitation to soften the harshness of seeing people as objects to use, and cast them in the light of God’s view: a view of their beauty and intrinsic worth.

I do not anticipate heavy snow forcing us indoors in South Texas. I will be glad if it just gets cold enough to kill the mosquitos. However, whether or not you have an electric fireplace, what would it look like to create cozy firelight moments in your life?

May the richest blessings of pause, peace and people warm your soul this winter!