Slow Mornings by Candlelight
Favorite mornings of all time, but rare
Favorite winter mornings of mine involve lighting candles and savoring a double latte in the quiet of a chilly, candle-lit room. It’s a perfect environment for meditation, prayer, and basking in the presence of my God. But these slow mornings are a rare treat––always somewhere to be in the early hours.
I noticed modern-day candle wicks seem to have much higher soot emissions than in the past. If these wicks aren’t trimmed away before lit, the collection of soot causes the flame to move in erratic and chaotic directions. Not something this burn survivor finds relaxing even if the flame is contained in glass. Snipping the wick gives a bright calm flame burning straight and true sans erratic dancing, making for a more peaceful atmosphere.
I searched the internet to learn what materials wicks were made of and I discovered they are produced from a variety of resources. But I also learned the quality and kind of wax of a candle determines the pairing of proper wick material and burn style.
As I tidy each wick, I’m reminded of the story in the scriptures of a how ten women in a bridal party readied themselves when the news came the bridegroom was on the way to collect his bride. (This was the cultural norm; couples didn’t have a set time and date for a wedding.) The surprise arrival had them rising in the night and trimming the wick of their lamps to burn bright and clear. Yet some were short of oil and tried to borrow from the others. But no dice, no one wanted to short their own supply. Without oil or wax, wick trimming is moot.
I’m wondering if by spending my mornings with my Most High power, meditation, prayer, as well as reading the love letter he wrote to all people, will the soot-ridden wick within my soul be trimmed and my heart be restocked with the pure oil of Joy? I like to think so.