Out of the Darkness

Today Folklore Village will be surrounded by whisps of smoke and the spark of gently burning prairie grasses and flowers.  The US Fish and Wildlife Service crew, along with their volunteers, are burning the FV prairie this morning. At the end of the day the withered grasses of last year will be charred on our 40 acre prairie restoration. It's always an odd thing to look out at the starkness of blackened earth, but this blackness leads to great anticipation of new life that is coming. The bright flames gradually eat through the rotted vegetation preparing the rolling ground for new growth. 

Oh how I wish we had a prairie burn process for our own lives every spring. Well, perhaps we do. During prairie burns trained volunteers take the land into their hands and guide the flames to do their work. Gently coaxing the burn in the direction it needs to go, and stopping it from going too deep. We are all blessed with trained volunteers in our lives in the form of friends and family and our own inner conscience. What would happen if we them take us by the hand and put flames to the parts that are hindering our growth? What if we risked the quick burn and temporary strange sight of blackness in order to allow for the eagerness of new things sprouting, blooming and bringing great joy? 

If you are looking for a place to start, please come to Folklore village and walk through our prairie during its dark, burned time or during its blooming glory. (Or both!)  The rolling hills, whisper of the breeze, and floating butterflies provide inspiration and peace – what a wonderful place for sparks to take hold of our inner vegetation and start burning the grasses that are tangling our feet.  But be prepared – joy is sure to follow. Out of the blackness comes space for that bright yellow flower that is longing to grow. Or that tall blue stemmed grass that delights in bending with the wind. And the smile that has been yearning to dance.