Only you can prevent forest fires...
I didn't know I was a fireman. How did that happen? I don't know, exactly. But lately, I've found myself grabbing a fire extinguisher to put out fires. And they spring up unexpectedly...one minute, the forest is peaceful, then - POOF! - smoke, then fire... And, feeling the responsibility of friendshi__...er...I mean, of being a fireman, I rush to the scene of the fire, extinguisher in hand, to attempt to quell the flames. And, then...just when I think the flame is extinguished, I have to return to put out a sudden flare-up. Suddenly, the alarm sounds AGAIN, and I'm off somewhere else, to put out yet another fire in another part of the forest. Even at the end of the day, I have this nagging feeling that the fires are still smoldering, and if enough oxygen is fanned on the burning embers, the fire will flare again and put the entire forest in jeopardy. So, I feel that I have to constantly be ready for the alarm. However, I find some comfort in knowing that there are fewer careers more noble that of a firefighter, right?
But... I never wanted to be a firefighter. I STILL do not want to be a firefighter.
Now it may sound corny, but what I REALLY want to be is a planter of trees...to plant the trees, to water the trees, to see the trees grow... Yes, I told you it sounded corny, but to reproduce life and watch it grow is an amazing thing. And, unlike the 'reactive' work of the fireman, I can plant a tree, water it, and let it be...knowing that it can grow perfectly well on its own, without the need for me to constantly check up on it. Trees do that, you know...they grow... And, unless I've planted the tree in a totally wrong way, I can count on that!
That's what I don't like about being a firefighter. Instead of doing the planting and the nurturing and moving on to plant more (proactive), I'm rooting out something that threatens to destroy the very lives of the trees in the forest. True, any forest needs firefighters, 'cause there's always someone who doesn't extinguish their campfire correctly...or some turd out there who just has to throw a burning match into the woods just 'cause they like to see things burn... And...it's this selfish carelessness or lack of maturity that prevents the forest from thriving.
Well, that might be a bit harsh. I bet most of the people who accidentally set fires are truly good people at heart, and in brief moments of selfish carelessness they simply don't think (or can't) about how to truly and responsibly 'clean up' and move on in the right way.
This is my plea: Help me be a planter of trees instead of a firefighter. To those who camp in the forest, your presence is very much desired - with the hope you can look around and see the beauty of where you are and decide to do all that you can to help it grow - to keep it clean and learn to plant your own trees. Just be careful that you don't start a fire... Preventing forest fires is easy, really...if you 'focus' on the big picture...see the beauty of the forest for what it is and let THAT become what you are truly passionate about...helping it thrive and grow...
Of course, I'm not REALLY talking about forest fires, am I? And, of course, I'm not really a firefighter and I seldom plant real trees... But, I simply can't think of a non-threatening way to talk about something so vital to our walk with Christ. I want people to know that I deeply desire that their 'fires' are extinguished, BUT - at the same time - I desire even more deeply that we do all that we can to avoid becoming self-absorbed by the 'fires' and, instead, embrace the joy that comes from God and serving him FOR REAL. It is always our choice...either we are setting fires (letting something consume us) or planting trees (selflessly engaging the mission).
As always, it's about 'focus,' isn't it?
KEY THOUGHT: "We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe the truth, for our HOPE is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and particularly of those who believe. Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, FOCUS on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecies spoken to you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right, and GOD WILL SAVE YOU AND THOSE WHO HEAR YOU." -- 1 Timothy 4:10-16.
But... I never wanted to be a firefighter. I STILL do not want to be a firefighter.
Now it may sound corny, but what I REALLY want to be is a planter of trees...to plant the trees, to water the trees, to see the trees grow... Yes, I told you it sounded corny, but to reproduce life and watch it grow is an amazing thing. And, unlike the 'reactive' work of the fireman, I can plant a tree, water it, and let it be...knowing that it can grow perfectly well on its own, without the need for me to constantly check up on it. Trees do that, you know...they grow... And, unless I've planted the tree in a totally wrong way, I can count on that!
That's what I don't like about being a firefighter. Instead of doing the planting and the nurturing and moving on to plant more (proactive), I'm rooting out something that threatens to destroy the very lives of the trees in the forest. True, any forest needs firefighters, 'cause there's always someone who doesn't extinguish their campfire correctly...or some turd out there who just has to throw a burning match into the woods just 'cause they like to see things burn... And...it's this selfish carelessness or lack of maturity that prevents the forest from thriving.
Well, that might be a bit harsh. I bet most of the people who accidentally set fires are truly good people at heart, and in brief moments of selfish carelessness they simply don't think (or can't) about how to truly and responsibly 'clean up' and move on in the right way.
This is my plea: Help me be a planter of trees instead of a firefighter. To those who camp in the forest, your presence is very much desired - with the hope you can look around and see the beauty of where you are and decide to do all that you can to help it grow - to keep it clean and learn to plant your own trees. Just be careful that you don't start a fire... Preventing forest fires is easy, really...if you 'focus' on the big picture...see the beauty of the forest for what it is and let THAT become what you are truly passionate about...helping it thrive and grow...
Of course, I'm not REALLY talking about forest fires, am I? And, of course, I'm not really a firefighter and I seldom plant real trees... But, I simply can't think of a non-threatening way to talk about something so vital to our walk with Christ. I want people to know that I deeply desire that their 'fires' are extinguished, BUT - at the same time - I desire even more deeply that we do all that we can to avoid becoming self-absorbed by the 'fires' and, instead, embrace the joy that comes from God and serving him FOR REAL. It is always our choice...either we are setting fires (letting something consume us) or planting trees (selflessly engaging the mission).
As always, it's about 'focus,' isn't it?
KEY THOUGHT: "We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe the truth, for our HOPE is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and particularly of those who believe. Teach these things and insist that everyone learn them. Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you teach, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity. Until I get there, FOCUS on reading the Scriptures to the church, encouraging the believers, and teaching them. Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecies spoken to you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you. Give your complete attention to these matters. Throw yourself into your tasks so that everyone will see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on your teaching. Stay true to what is right, and GOD WILL SAVE YOU AND THOSE WHO HEAR YOU." -- 1 Timothy 4:10-16.
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