Living in California, we don’t have freezing winters, so cold days are memorable. On those days, we loved to have a fire in the fireplace, but it wasn’t always successful. At first, our fires were weak at best. We couldn’t get the fire going and when we did, it fizzled out too soon. We looked online for tips and tricks and we finally figured out what we were doing wrong. We found the best way to arrange the logs and what kindling to use to make a fire worthy of a cold winter day.

That image of us comically trying to get a fire going comes to mind when I read Saint Paul's words to “[Stir] into flame the gift of God that you have through the imposition of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of cowardice but rather of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:6-7). St. Catherine of Siena said it this way: “If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world on fire!”

Sometimes in my spiritual life, I feel like that pathetic fire that wouldn’t blaze up, but fortunately, I know how to combat it. Prayer, Reconciliation, the Eucharist, the Rosary, a Holy Hour. . . these all serve as kindling for my soul. They help to light the flame of my heart so I can bring the warmth and light of God’s love to my family and community. They give me strength to build virtue and turn away from my pet sins.

The formula is nothing new, but this time of year, I particularly need the reminder. The prayerful waiting of Advent is over, the excitement of Christmas and New Year's is gone, and we’ve not yet reached the soul-shaking weeks of Lent. It is easy to fall into a complacent lull.

Let this be our inspiration to spark the flame of our hearts, so we can be a bright light to the world, especially in times of darkness.

[bctt tweet="Be a bright light to the world, especially in times of darkness." username="bobbi_rol"]

Do you want to start going to Eucharistic Adoration but aren't sure you'd know what to do? A thorough list here can help.

Bobbi Rol is a wife, mama and blogger living on the Monterey Bay in CA with her husband, teen daughter, and three rambunctious boys. When she is not dodging light sabers or stepping on Legos, she can be found outside with her family, catching a late night movie, or decorating her planner. You can find out more about her here.