I took about a dozen boy scouts camping last Friday night.  As they boys went off to bed I sat alone by the fire, listening to the river bubbling past, and seeing the stars glimmering above.  My two sons were already sound asleep, and it was just me and a little raccoon who was snooping around camp hoping for leftovers.  It was a peaceful moment and the first I had felt in a couple of days.

As I banked the fire for the night, I noticed how much brighter the flames were, and how much hotter, when the logs were moved in closer together.  When I have more scouts along for the camp out they seem to have more fun, and sometimes more trouble too.  When we draw closer together there is more power.  As the scriptures tell us, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matt. 18:20)  There is an almost tangible power when those boys are gathered together serving those in need, singing hymns, praying, or even just telling good stories around the camp fire.  It is like the logs nestled together; each burning brighter thanks to the proximity of the others.