- Analogies observed through tending the Wood Stove
Proximity
Logs need to be close together – yet with just the right
amount of space between them - to really burn well. If they get too far apart,
the fire goes out, and the logs grow cold. And the best way to get a new log
going, is to put it up against one that’s already burning well. Reminds me of life
in Community.
Variety
The quick-starting pieces of wood that you put in first
(kindling), play a very important role. They get things started, and warm up
the fire-box. But you will also need to add other, thicker, slower burning logs.
It is these characteristics that will sustain a long, hot burn. Kind of like building
a work-team.
Build, then Trust.

When selecting the right components to lay a new fire, it
is important to take into account all you know about thermodynamics; building
it carefully. Trying to predict what will create the best possible base fire.
Then you’ve got to light it in just the right places, and make sure it has just
enough air. You take special care to be as accurate as you can be. Because once
the stove door is closed, all the smoke builds up in the fire box. Until it
gains enough heat to blast up the cold chimney. You cannot open the door at
this point, to correct anything. Sometimes you watch with dismay, as a piece of
wood shifts, and falls away from the burning paper and other sticks. The fire
starts to falter. You’re tempted to open the door and fix it, but that would be
a mistake- creating a house full of smoke that would be nearly impossible to
ever completely get rid of. You’ve got to wait it out; watching and hoping that
the rest of your system compensates for this unpredicted development.
Kind of
like launching young adult children into independence.
Wood Type
Wood from trees that grow fast, don’t
burn very hot? They are certainly wonderful additions to a
landscape; providing shade sooner than most newly planted trees. But it is the slow-growing oak, or nut or fruit trees- and other hard
woods- that create the most heat in the fireplace. They have a higher “kindling
point,” (the temperature at which they’ll ignite), but they burn long and hot,
once they get going. And, by the way, the smoke from quick-burning, low temperature logs leaves a gunky, crusty film in the chimney- creosote. It has to be
scraped away periodically, or it can catch fire up inside the chimney! Kind of like two kinds of people:
those who have never suffered in life, and those who have. Those who have led
peaceful, healthy unruffled lives can be quite pleasant, fun, and entertaining.
But those who’ve been through hardship – if they’ve processed it well – will be
the ones who can really help others over the long haul; journeying through
difficulty with empathy, and authority.

Aesthetics vs.
Effectiveness
Sometimes the best-looking fire does not end up burning
as hot as those in the house might need. People may be kind enough to be
complementary of its symmetry and dancing light, but if they’re cold, and
hoping to warm up, what they really need is a hot fire, not a pretty one! There
are certainly aesthetic occasions for a good-looking, yet inefficient fire. But
the builder and tender needs to be clear on the purpose. How many other areas
of life are like that? Food, clothing, automobiles… Sure, pretty is nice. But
as the architect says, “Form follows Function.” Reminds me of trying to make a
difference among the poor. It’s important to know the actual, under-lying issues, so we can best address them. Not merely meeting people's presenting needs with service that seems good, yet fails to meet the long-term, greater need.
But now this is beginning to look like blog-fuel for another day…