Kindle

The word for Day 3 of the Advent photo challenge was “Kindle.” I had ideas, but enjoyed the discussion at a weekly Bible study group that now is focusing on this challenge. 

One woman said a meaning of kindle is “something occurs that results in something else.” She also said something about open space becoming infinite potential. These spoke to me, although I’m not sure with which part of me they were communicating.

Getting on my knees later to pray for people who are always “in my prayers” — but do I really intentionally pray for them? — led to the answer to try to be intentional by using a candle during my prayer time. I prayed for God to be with these people and to help me know how to reach out if it was my place to do so. And I committed to praying daily, with the candle to help me focus.

Before the day was over, I realized I also wanted a cross in this space. I picked up the cross that best fit the space, and on the back was a handwritten note from the primary subject of my inconsistent prayers, who had given it to me for Christmas in 2012. 

Between my faulty memory and often-displaced emotions, I had forgotten that this was the cross she gave me. After a moment of self-condemnation for not having remembered, I thanked God for this moment of connection with my Creator as well as my beloved goddaughter. I sent her a text saying I’ve been thinking of her and praying. It’s too late for her to respond tonight, and that’s ok. 

A photo challenge, an Advent discussion, a prayer, a battery-powered candle and a small cross on a base with the word “FAITH” has kindled a needed renewal in my focus and faith in God.