Alright, I did the thing you’re not supposed to do, I submitted my blog late. But I have an excuse. Last night (10/31) we had a bonfire for the fellows and while I should’ve been blogging I was sitting out by the fire. Sorry about that Ashley. There is something about a fire for me though, that I just want to be a part of, almost over anything. In my experience, as was true last night, a fire ends up leading to deep and unexpected conversation. It seems to give you permission to avoid eye contact as you gaze at the flames which must be some sort of truth serum based on how often deep conversations come up surrounding a fire.
I probably started to appreciate fire early on in college when we would collect Christmas trees put out in January and create some pretty huge flames. Flames that would be more appropriate for the middle of a field, instead of a front yard in a Raleigh neighborhood. I’ll never forget those memories and waves that existed. By that I mean, there was always a first wave of people that built up this living thing from pine straw, to twigs, to sticks, and finally to some logs. That process usually only had a few people because there was no warmth yet, it was something that took time and effort. That first wave always brings a sense of accomplishment among the few, while it gives them permission to set the tone of conversation that ends up surrounding the fire. The second wave is the one that everyone takes part in, it's loud, overwhelming, crowded, etc. But then my favorite wave is the third wave. That’s when people get tired, go inside or go home and leave the few who are enjoying it most. In my experience that’s when there are no walls up between people, the truth serum is its strongest.
I’ve been fortunate to travel out west to different national parks with many of my best friends. And maybe it’s the pyromaniac in me but coming back from a hike and sitting around the fire reflecting on the day might be the best part of the day. It’s a time that leads to laughter as we recount the days funniest jokes and circumstances. Often there is awe as we discuss the undeniable beauty of the piece of creation we got to experience that day. And as it always seems to go, there is some sort of introspection, that brings up conversations that for some reason just don’t seem to happen in another circumstance.
Here are some pics,
Jeb
