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Combustables

There were a couple of Mad Hatters at Casa Wallace recently.  Stovepipe hats, black suits, and red scarves completed their ensembles.  Clancy even got a red scarf before they left. He looks pretty good in red. The Hatters were here to clean the fireplace chimney. That annual event is to make sure we don't have a chimney fire.  They have all the right equipment and the job doesn't take too long. Brushes, long hoses, and a powerful vacuum make quick work of it from top to bottom. Within a half hour, the chimney was spic and span, ready for another winter.

What makes the chimney dirty? It's the creosote-a byproduct from burning wood. If the wood doesn't burn hot enough, tarry residue can be left in the chimney. Softer woods don't burn as hot as hardwoods, so that can leave more creosote buildup too.  A well-drafted, hot fire will not only give us cozy warmth in the family room, but leave less crud in the chimney. But, it's important to clean out the chimney on a regular basis to make sure it's safe and ready for fires below. 

The chimney cleaning keeps the relationship between the hearth and rooftop in good shape. Smoke ends up outside, we enjoy the warm fire. The chimney is integral in the relationship. It reminds me of what Jesus said in Matthew 5:21-26 -- settle things quickly with your adversary, be reconciled to your brother and then offer your gift to God. Relationships are a tricky business. If we let misunderstandings and issues fester between us, it's like the creosote gradually building up in the chimney. Over time, it hardens and thickens. Creosote can build up until it is a fire waiting to happen and almost impossible to remove. A relationship can get more complicated as we become more stubborn about our rights, our feelings, and how wrong the other person is. It becomes a combustible situation. It also affects our relationship with God and not for the better.

Jesus talks strongly about reconciliation, settlement of the matter, and keeping our temper in the same verses.  Why? Because there are always consequences when we hold grudges and let old hurts build up in our hearts.  They take a toll on both sides. The outcomes include anger, judgment, broken relationships. The desirable outcomes of peace and restoration are not always easy, especially if it's built up over years. But reconciliation is entirely possible with the Savior who has washed us white as snow.

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