The Embers
An RV Getaway
It was an unusually warm and beautiful January day in Missouri when my son Andrew and I drove down from Lee’s Summit to the Harry S. Truman State Park near Warsaw. The only campground open there during the winter months was the Devil’s Backbone, which was at the park’s highest elevation and provided a panoramic view of the lake below.
Our Campsite
After parking our van-style motorhome and setting up camp, we enjoyed a quick meal, then took some time to explore the area. There were only a few other campers there and it seemed we had the entire place to ourselves. Our conversation was animated by the sun, the surrounding beauty, and shared thoughts of promise and possibility. Life was clearly good this day.
As the sun began to dip to the horizon, we began to scavenge for firewood. When we had a big enough pile, we built a miniature teepee of dry wood in a spacious fire pit and waited for the sun to set. We put out the folding chairs, grabbed a few snacks and drinks, settled into the chairs, and continued our conversation.
Nighttime Panorama
At sunset we carefully lit the fire and watched with anticipation as it quickly grew from the initial spark to a steady display of radiant heat and light. By then the sky was dark and studded with countless stars as big as we had ever seen. And all was bathed in moonlight, allowing us to see through the leafless trees down to the shimmering lake. The visual effect was both eerie and magical, and left us in awe.
Fascinating Firelight
Transfixed, we sat silent as the fire spread out and up, lapping in different directions with the shifting light breezes. For the few hours of its life, our campfire continued to transform before us in colors of red, orange, yellow, and blue; and with dancing flames, crackling sounds, and smokey smells.
Although Andrew thoroughly enjoyed the initial intensity of the flaming fire, I found the embers most fascinating. They soothed my mind and senses and sparked my imagination with all sorts of ghostly images and fantastical ideas. The embers also provided the perfect atmosphere for deep conversation with Andrew, a thoughtful young man. We both agreed that we needed this experience even more than we realized, especially after a long stretch of challenging times.
The Embers’ Glow
As I think back on all this, I keep returning to the embers. Now in my seventies, it occurs to me that I would like to be a glowing ember for the rest of my life, still radiating an uplifting, positive energy to all those who join me on this journey, and for all the special moments along the way.
And who knows, as embers sometimes flash into flame when a breeze blows in, perhaps those special moments will give rise to something even greater.
🌊📜Your Message in a Bottle:
What do you see in the embers or the Milky Way tonight? Comment below and share how the light inspires you.
