via Daily Prompt: Solitary

I think I found where world peace should start…

After a long day of travel, we arrived at our rented, vacation cabin. We spent the evening checking out the lake and camp grounds, did some fishing, and tested out the kayaks. When the kids finally realized they were hungry, each began to gather smalls sticks to start our fire. Hubby purchased firewood from the local woodshed and got it going. I dug out the hotdogs, buns, marshmallows, and skewers.

The open-flame grilled dogs were extra delicious and the kids probably wasted more marshmallows than they ate, but it was fun to watch. When the camp fire and “roasting” things began to lose its appeal, the kiddos hopped in the hot tub. I cleaned up the meal mess. Hubby checked out the area map and brochure of attractions.

It was not until well after dark and the kids were tucked into their respective beds that I was able to do what I wanted on vacation…sit quietly.

There is something powerful and energizing in a camp fire. Watching the flames dance and hearing the logs crack you are fully award that in front of you is a living, breathing creature. Even though I was alone by the campfire, I could not feel lonely. 

The fire warmed me and spoke as it sparked and burned.

As I enjoyed the fireside quiet, I could not help but remember the amazing campfires I experienced at Girl Scout camp as a young girl and the revelry felt at the bonfires in high school and college. My husband has often commented that the camp fire is his favorite part of camping. It isn’t hard to understand why.

Since the beginning of time, the human race has found protection, heat, and comradery from the flames of campfires. I was just lucky enough to get to have this one all to myself.

When we returned from our vacation, we also returned to the world of ugly news and hateful events. The peace I felt by that campfire seemed a million miles away.

My wish is that I could take the tranquility of that fireside and share it with the world. I wish we could find a way to work together to light up the world with our passions and ignite love and understanding for one another. If we could share campfire calm, the tensions and explosions of hatred would go up in smoke and the warmth of working together for beauty and progress would be the only thing blazing.

Today’s Intentergy challenge is to seek what you can do as an individual to improve the peace and progress of our world. Once you have found that one thing, ignite your intent and give it purpose to blaze new paths. Invite others to join in your cause for change and fan the flames of compassion and understanding.

By: Melanie A. Peters

P.S. Only you can prevent forest fires and hatred.