Her kindness kindled my heart. She didn’t know my morning had backfired. My Spirit was smoky from the morning brushfires. The flare-ups tried to extinguish me. Her special spark of warmheartedness spared me from an inferno of insecurity.

“Are you scheduled today, Karla?” I showed the amazing secretary the assignment on the app. “Oh, that was a last-minute request, yes, I see. A retired teacher is already in that room. It’s covered. Do what you need to do.” The look on her face was so…caring. Her eyes pierced my heart. “I’ll do whatever you need,” I replied. She shared there were a LOT of sick kids in that room. “I worry for your immune system, Karla.” Tears brimmed my eyes. “I’ll see you again soon, I hope,” I shared as we exchanged goodbyes. Her attitude was an arson I needed-inspiration was ignited. My faith fire was lit again. So here I am, sharing this spark from a fire that has been growing inside of me.

 There are trials by fire and times in the hot seat. Scans, scars, and keeping score can scorch.  My energy can be extinguished by the unexpected.

Long before the tragic wildfires, I spoke with a few fellow faithful writers about fireside conversations. Thoughts of interviews and “flaming” the fires of faith consumed me. Not to mention that sitting by fires have a special place in my soul. Fighting illness, the “unknowns”, and living in the “now” is difficult in a world with brush fires popping up every second. Even if you’re not caught in a crossfire, the enemy might enflame. What do you do?

Before I go to Google, I take it to God. “God, I trust you. No matter what. There’s so much I don’t understand. Keep my faith fire burning, Heavenly Papa. Don’t let me burn out. Keep my faith ablaze so I can illuminate your love.”

Pull up a chair and let’s talk about the good things of life. I see you; I hear you. I understand. Today seemed another trial by fire. Instead it fueled my fire of faith.

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