Short Thought continued.....

Around the campfire

 

‘When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it,

and some bread.   Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.” 

So Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore.

It was full of large fish, 153, but even with so many the net was not torn.  

Jesus said to them, “Come and have breakfast.”

 (John 21: 9-12)

 

I would have loved to have been on that beach sat around the campfire with Jesus and his friends. 

I wonder what conversations were had, what nuggets of wisdom and teaching Jesus passed on,

what stories were shared, what they laughed about.  

 

Jesus extended his invitation to a few fishermen; this bbq on the beach wasn’t meticulously planned,

Jesus didn’t send out invitations weeks in advance. 

He just showed up, called out to his friends and gathered them together. 

He created space and time to show them love and care;

he provided for them – a simple campfire, fish and bread.

The atmosphere was created: relaxed, enjoyable, informal.

Precious time spent together.

What a gift!

 

I wonder how friendships were strengthened and deepened over those burning embers.

 

I wonder how often you sit with Jesus and friends around a campfire.

 

Creating time to be together, to enjoy one another’s companionship,

to be in friendships where we can be vulnerable, real and authentic,

where we can share our hopes, dreams and disappointments,

where we can genuinely care and support one another and share each other’s burdens,

where we can speak into one another’s lives and encourage one another, 

where we can celebrate together,

creating this kind of space for a few friendships to strengthen and deepen is a precious gift.

 

Sadly, we can easily get distracted with the need to plan and prepare;

we make things more complicated than they need to be. 

When Jesus invited a few friends around the campfire he demonstrated the

beauty of simplicity and spontaneity, with the emphasis being on the friendships.

 

How are you spending time around the campfire strengthening and deepening your friendship with Jesus?

 

How are you spending time around the campfire strengthening and deepening your friendships

with a few others with whom you can be vulnerable, real and authentic?

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