Photo by Thomas Hawk via Flickr
The weather is starting to get cold as we move towards Winter here in Melbourne, so to combat the chill in the air, I’ve started using our wood heater much earlier in the year than usual.
As I watched the flames a few nights ago with the kids, I was reminded that fire is often used to illustrate passion.
If someone is described as fiery, hot-headed or as having fire in their belly, we know that they are passionate and energetic.
As I get the fire burning and turn up the heat at home, I’ve realised that perhaps it’s time to turn up the level of passion in other aspects of life as well.
It’s time to turn up the heat at work.
It’s time to bring energy and ideas to the office, delivering great results, inspiring those around us, doing compelling and meaningful work, coming up with innovative solutions and making a difference.
It’s time to turn up the heat in our families.
Instead of groaning about our kids, let’s give them our full attention and energy. Instead of coming home exhausted from work, dreading the noise and mayhem, let’s bounce through the door with joy and enthusiasm. Let’s give our families our best moments, not our most fatigued.
It’s time to turn the heat up in our schools.
We need teachers who are passionate about the education of our children, who can adapt their content delivery to the learning needs of each student and who look to partner with parents in preparing kids for life beyond school.
It’s time to turn up the heat in our churches.
If you’re a christian, let’s get to church on time and with enthusiasm, greeting newcomers with a warm smile and praying with fervency. The Holy Spirit is described as coming with fire, we could all do with more of that heat in our services.
Perhaps it’s also time to turn up the heat with our attitudes.
Let’s embrace a perspective of optimism. Let’s be generous and forgiving in our thoughts about others. Let’s understand again that we can impact the world around us positively and take action on the opportunities that are presented to us.
In everything that we do, let’s turn up the heat, engaging life with passion and enthusiasm.
I feel warmer already!
What area of your life do you need to turn up the heat in?
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May 17, 2011 at 11:21 am
Debbie
Thinking about this, Darren. It is a great concept. I think that I settle too quickly on what I write, that I need to turn up the heat there . . .produce something a little better, stronger, deeper for Him. Thank you!
As you spoke about turning up the heat in our churches, I read a post today about someone whose church is making moves to be a “go church” . . .a church that goes out into the community, that goes to the hungry, the homeless, the hurting, instead of a church that sits and waits for people to come to it. I think a fire has been lit there. Hope it spreads!
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May 18, 2011 at 3:57 pm
Darren Poke
Fantastic. That sounds like a great church!
Keep pushing yourself with your writing, you’re doing a great job.
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