So he went over to look inside, and a voice called out to him: “Moe! Moe!” A bit confused, Moe mumbled something back. “Don’t come any closer,” said the voice, “pull down your hood and take off your bag - you’re on my turf.”
Feeling spooked, Moe jumped back and covered his face. Embarrassed by his own surprise, he looked around to see if anyone was watching, then put down his bag and pulled back his hood. The voice in the fire continued: “I have seen the unhappiness and boredom of my people on this estate. I have heard them moaning about their home. Their complaint has reached me, and I have seen how they are treated. I am worried that they are all asleep. So I am here to wake you up, to give you a fire that burns for change. So go! Get on your bike! I am sending you to spark life into the estate!”
Getting angry, maybe even a bit scared; Moe yelled, “Who the hell are you? Where are you hiding?” “I am the fire that never goes out,” replied the voice, “I have always burned, and I will always burn. I am the fire of your family. The fire that has burned for your parents and grandparents; aunts and uncles; brothers and sisters. And I burn for you.”
“What do you want with me? What can I do?” Moe shouted back. “Gather your friends - tell them that the fire that never goes out has sent you to spark life into the estate. They will listen to you. Work with them to put an end to your boredom and unhappiness, to change the way you are treated.
Sensing the importance of the moment, Moe calmed himself, and asked carefully:
“What if they call me a liar or tell me I’m imagining it?” “Show me what is in your pocket,” demanded the fire. So Moe pulled out his lighter. “Throw it on the ground,” said the fire. As Moe threw the lighter to the ground, a great flame erupted from it, scorching the grass and surrounding bushes. “In this lighter,” said the fire, “is all my power. Take it with you to remind you of what I can do.”
But Moe protested, “Can’t you send someone else? Anyone is better than me!” The fire in the bin raged. “I am sending you! And I will burn for you - so go now!” Moe reluctantly put his lighter back in his pocket, picked up his bag, and returned home without looking back.
Discussion questions:
- How does God get your attention?
- How does God direct you to your calling?
- What spark has God asked you to take and where will you take it?
- What do you think Moe did next?
For this tale and more have a look at talesretold.org, you could even take the time to submit your own.
