From her warm southern throne, summer embodies the energy of adolescence—a stage in the evolutionary cycle of intense growth and change. Infused with the fiery nature of the season, this is where we tend to stretch, experiment with new worlds and opportunities, and expand the breadth and depth of our burgeoning identities.
Often, while absorbed in the dynamic flow of big change, the true treasures of our coming-of-age experiences emerge much later from within the folds of seasoned reflection. It was while recently reminiscing on a distant memory of my youth that the sparkle of fresh insight began to shimmer.
Take-Off
Barely bridled excitement always filled the days approaching our annual camping trip to the Mendocino Coast. It was a beautiful, sheltered spot where the Gualala River met the Pacific Ocean under a canopy of redwoods. Looking back, the eager anticipation seemed curious in light of what it took to get there.
Estimated Time of Arrival
When my dad set a schedule, there was no room for deviation: van packed the night before, early lights out, up at dawn, one planned stop, and a prompt 10am check-in. Clear. Disciplined. But the final 75 miles of the 150-mile trek were a different story. Single-lane, winding roads littered with hairpin turns and switchbacks. This, my friends, did not bode well for yours truly, who could lose her cookies on even the straightest stretch of freeway.
Actual Time of Arrival
Add several unplanned stomach-stops, my mom’s exasperated (and futile) attempts to get my dad to go easy on the turns, and his building fury over the possibility that our favorite camp spot would be snatched up before we got there… well, you can imagine what the final approach felt like. I’m still to this day in awe (and jealous) of how my sister always managed to sleep through it all.
Conditions on the Ground
Flinging the van doors open, it was as though the salty ocean air and loamy scent of the forest wiped away any trace of our travel turbulence. Shouts and greetings from the familiar voices that kept this generational tradition going worked like medicine, instantly taming the tension and softening the sharpness that had built over the previous few hours. With a collective sigh of relief, we’d quickly unpack, pitch our tents, and join the crew.
The Next Voyage
Before too long, my sister and I would be sent out to gather kindling while the adults “finished setting up camp” (which I later learned was code for setting up the bar.) Unlike scrubbing dishes or hauling trash down to the community dumpster, the daily chore of collecting kindling for the evening’s campfire felt like a special mission.
Mission Complete
Still far from mastering the art of harmonious sibling cooperation, my sister and began in rivalry, shifted into playful competition, and finally formed an alliance as we combined our bundles of twigs and branches, bringing our collective payload back to camp.
Campfire Coaching
The camping veterans would carefully arrange the kindling, explaining the importance of proper airflow. Their lessons continued as they emphasized starting with smaller pieces to build the fire before gradually adding larger logs to keep it fed. I’m sure my sister and I shared no shortage of hidden eyerolls.
Shotgun!
As the sun dipped into the sea, the familiar squabbles would begin over who would get to light the fire—each of us insisting it had been the other’s turn last time—until we finally settled on a rotation, allowing us to savor the pride that came with such an important honor.
The Spark
With tummies full and dinner dishes done, the crew would gather—dragging up old rickety beach chairs, perching on coolers, and holding little ones on laps. Then the stories would start, followed by howls of laughter and the inevitable shouts of “Oh no!” whenever a perfectly toasted marshmallow slipped from the end of a wire coat hanger into the fire’s red-orange belly.
The Light
What I remember most vividly was the lightness and simplicity. This was a crew of hard-working mechanics, electricians, and construction workers, their days often leaving them exhausted, sore, and grumpy. Yet here they were, the weight of daily strain temporarily set aside in favor of relaxing, connecting, and dropping into the softer, sweeter side of life.
The New Face of Kindling
So, as I reflected on these fond memories of my youth, a deeper sense of gratitude and appreciation awakened as I realized our kindling mission was so much more than a daily chore. Unbeknownst to our young hearts and minds, we were kindling so much more:
- An opportunity for typically contrary siblings to work together in harmony.
- Contributing to the greater good by helping deliver an ingredient essential for building the foundation of the fire.
- Receiving the wisdom imparted by those with much more experience.
- Carrying out the honor of striking the spark that ignited the source that gathered everyone together.
- Sharing in the belonging, fun, and connection made available by this supportive clan.
- Bearing witness to the love and good nature of a group of people committed to nurturing friendships and maintaining a special tradition.
“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.”
~ Robert Breault ~
Tell me, what “little things” in your life right now might indeed be the big things that are sparking and fueling your fire in this vibrant season of growth, expansion, and change?