I have mentioned before that Patty and I are nature lovers who enjoy hiking. We have made a number of trips to National Parks that are heavily forested. In our trip to Zion National Park in southern Utah, we drove along mountains that were deeply scarred from wildfires. Though the blaze was not recent, the slopes were still blackened by ash and soot, scarred trunks with no branches remained upright and there were no signs of flora to be seen. On another trip, as we drove to a trailhead at the Grand Canyon, we encountered heavy, smoke-filled air and a number of firetrucks. We noticed men and women tending the flames, but there was no sense of urgency in their actions. When we arrived at an information booth, we inquired about what he had seen. The park ranger informed us that we had witnessed a controlled burn. She further explained these prescribed burns are introduced to maintain the health of the forest.
The idea of a controlled or prescribed burns has stuck with me. Being the Google surfer I am, I went to the National Geographic Society’s website to learn more about controlled burns HERE. The site lists as reasons for controlled burns removal of debris that prevents more destructive wildfires, reduction of invasive plants and insects that can harm forest growth, and allowing additional sunlight to filter down and help smaller plants and trees to grow.
I write this article as Ash Wednesday approaches and I see parallels between controlled burns and the themes of Lent. Lent is a season where we allow the refining fire of Truth, coupled with deep introspection to consume those things that prevent us from living into the fullness of God’s grace and fully developing into the person God has created us to be.
There are times when the clutter of past hurts, old wounds, retained bitterness create the potential of a conflagration of anger. Unless these are consumed by God’s forgiving and reconciling love, they are a threat to our spiritual well-being. Without intention, we also can pick up habits that are contrary to fruitful discipleship. Like invasive plants, these practices can overtake healthy spiritual disciplines and sap our strength. Like harmful insects, though seemingly small, they can eat into the channels that connect us with God’s sustaining grace. Occasionally, our practice of discipleship can become a detriment to others who are seeking to fulfill their calling in life. There are times when we must decrease so that others can increase.
There is one other reason for controlled burns – new life. Some pinecones only release their seeds after a fire melts the hard resin that encases them. Other seeds are activated and only grow after intense heat. Similarly, there are times that God’s refining fire is needed to bring new life and birth new practices into our existence.
Lent is a time when we can reflect on who we are, what we are doing, where we need to grow, and how we are maturing in our faith. I pray that you will open yourself to the Spirit’s guidance and identify places where a controlled burn might lead to greater spiritual health and growth.
If you would like to view past editions of Moments with Mike, follow this link: https://corridordistrictnc.org/category/from-the-ds/