Question for you.
When is the last time you enjoyed the magic of sitting around a beautiful campfire under a star filled sky sharing stories with strangers?
If your answer is never, I encourage you today to think about doing this either literally or metaphorically.
What is it about a campfire that draws us together?
Is it the warmth of the flames on a chilly summer evening? Is it the safety of the darkness that emboldens us to open up and talk with people whom we might never have considered in the light of day? Is it the opportunity to get out of our houses and completely disconnect from the distractions of our phones and the mundane tasks of our daily lives?
Whatever it is, there is magic when we gather at the campfire.
Last night, we sat around a blazing campfire with complete strangers who have traveled from all across the country to our ranch. Months ago we were approached to host an event and we agreed. We had no idea who would come or how many would show up. And then they began to arrive and my excitement grew. They will be here for three days camping in our field.
What is it that has drawn them all here? It is the one thing that all of these people have in common. They are traditional archers and have come to celebrate and learn the art of making bows and practicing archery.
So, we gathered around the campfire last night. We introduced ourselves to each other. And as the sky darkened, and the fire blazed brightly, we shared stories…stories of our lives which couldn’t be more different except for this common passion.
Around that campfire, there was no talk of politics, there was no talk of negative things, there was no gossip about others or disparaging comments, and there was no judgement.
Instead, there were tales of our lives in different parts of the country, of our families, children and grandchildren, of our adventures in the wilderness, of our work that crosses all fields. Instead, there was unconditional love for our fellow man.
Around that campfire, the stories flowed for hours, and the laughter was contagious as children chased dogs and each other, marshmallows were toasted, and new friends were made.
So, today, my friends, I encourage you to think about your campfire. What is it about you that draws people in? What is about your story that resonates with others? How willing are you to share it with complete strangers and care to understand what you may have in common with them.
You see, you ARE the campfire! You DO give off warmth and provide comfort and safety to others. You do this by simply drawing others closer, caring to know who they are, and sharing your stories.
Enjoy this day and seize the opportunities as they may present themselves to you to gather at the campfire. And watch the magic happen!