Lessons from the Hearth

- 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…