Thoughts about fireword

In Proverbs, the wisdom imparted from Soloman instructs us to consider the ways of the ant. Without leader or ruler it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at the harvest.

I was reminded of this passage several times over the past few weeks after having a tree felled in the yard. Although still technically living, the tree began to show some signs of decay and internal deterioration over the past few years. To protect my house and that of my neighbor we partnered to have the tree taken down with the intention of converting it to firewood.

It didn't take a long time with the chain saw, even my small one, to realize this was work for which I'd long since become unfamiliar. After many days of cutting, splitting, stacking, and delivering wood to several friends, the job is almost done. The trembling muscles in my forearms served to further remind me of the ever present need to get more exercise. The aches in my back and hands remind me the days of youth are also long passed. Still, while it is much easier to make a telephone call and have firewood delivered and stacked, there is some genuine satisfaction in knowing that through our labor, we're prepared for winter - even a very cold one.