The Daily Grind with Matt Clarke

Fire in Your Lap

Written by Matt Clarke | March 19, 2026

 

It seemed like a good idea at the time. (How many times have you said that?) We had spent all afternoon burning an enormous pile of trees and brush cleared around the property, and to be honest, the teenage boy in me was delighted at the sheer awesomeness of the flames. With the fire still burning, night set in, and we stood around by its light and warmth, telling stories and laughing together. It was a truly special time of connection. As it became darker, we noticed the hot embers of the charred ground where the pile used to be and thought...why not? 

Spanning about ten feet across, the tempting twinkling red and orange ground called to our manhood and said, "You can do it, just give it a try. You've always wanted to".

So, as boys in men's clothing, we succumbed to the pressure and went for it. Off with the boots and socks, we rolled up our pants. Scampering barefoot across hot coals sends a sensation through the body that is hard to describe. Releasing chemicals to the brain that scream adventurous euphoria to the point that you ignore any pain or damage happening to your feet. It was epic. We laughed and celebrated like we just transformed from nerdy mortgage bankers into Indiana Jones on a mission to recover the Ark.

The next day, however, I woke up wondering why my feet hurt... and where did that blister come from?

"Can a man scoop a flame into his lap and not have his clothes catch on fire? Can he walk on hot coals and not blister his feet?" (Proverbs 6:27-28)

Every lure has a hook.  

It is crazy how the adventurous euphoria that temptation delivers causes us to go brain-dead to the dangers lurking behind the surface. It grabs your inner child and says, "Sure, lick that frozen metal pole, it's delicious!" Then what???

When I read that verse, it triggered the firewalking memory, which admittedly I am quite fond of. That said, it is a great reminder of the countless ones in my past that I am not. Fire burns. Every time. That is its very nature. If you think you can tame it, well, just scoop a little in your lap and see what happens...

The only proper response to temptation is to turn and run. Full speed. Keep your boots on and don't look back, as those delightful little coals on the ground have the power to turn the man into a little boy without warning. Don't take the bait.
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