The month of January sees a surge of newness in many of the things we do. Research and studies have found that gym memberships, dieting, and healthy habits are at their highest during the month of January. The word in the gym is not to be frustrated. Most people will be gone by February and the reality is that the retail side is aware of this. That’s why they sell yearly memberships.

The problem is that you can’t just get a yearly membership to spiritual growth.

We also see a surge in January of bible reading, praying, and intentional actions of worship. We see the same in the other lanes of spiritual growth. We focus more on friendships, serving, and helping those less fortunate. Then it hits us. Like an invisible wave that we don’t even detect with our natural senses, our souls are extinguished. The red hot coals are covered by the ash of our initial bursts of activity. Then we spend the next part of our year in limbo between nurturing the heat from the smothered fire and leaving to get fuel to stoke it back up. This indecision leads to guilt, sadness, shame, and stillness as we grow cold waiting for something new.

It reminds me of camping with my boys. They are always excited to start the fire. It could be two in the afternoon, 105 degrees, and we just arrived and all they want to do is start the fire. Fast forward to dusk and it seems that we are back to the urgency of the fire. We get it going, but lack the resources and support to keep it going. We burn through the kindle in a flash and turn to realize our own laziness has left us with nothing to keep the fire going. They don’t want to stray from the fire too far to find what is necessary, so they scour until dad sneaks over with the gasoline, some appropriate firewood, and a fireball from a lighter.

There are lessons that would include preparation, attitude, and dedication, but I think once the fire is simmering and you realize that it’s not as hot, you need to call on those people around you to help you. They will have some strategies to help you light back up. Ultimately, other people will reconnect you with God so that he can be your source.

Build Your Community or it Won’t Matter How Big You Build Your Fire!

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Chance