I have similar thoughts to those who have already reflected on this question…..It seems to me that babies have a joy without hesitation, and all their emotions have no filters. Experiences in life have taught me that emotions are much more complex…except for one thing: fireworks. They are not for everyone, but for those that enjoy them they are filled with awe and joy.
Have you ever observed people watching fireworks? It appears to me to be that same type of joy; instantaneous, without a thought to evaluate anything at all, but to just let the feeling of joy fill your senses and delight in it. Maybe that is why I love them so much…..we just delight in them, and tap into that kind of joy once again….

My last reflection to share. I have struggled with the imagery of the Burning Bush, and the fire that does not consume. Finally, after some thought, I think this is what that means in my life.
>>The Question-Consider the burning bush metaphor. How might it change your life if you knew that you could be “on fire” and yet not be “consumed”?
>>>My Answer is a Rambling Reflection-
Spark. It is the Spark that starts the fire….there is always, at least to my knowledge, a Spark that starts a fire…Burning Bush lit with Fire…and that says to me life. A Flame to me is alive. Fire has two functions; to light up the night, or the Dark, and Warmth. It gives us Light and Warmth. When we say someone is on Fire, we mean they are filled with Passion and Life for something, or someone. Flames are usually not still or stagnant, they generate Energy and sometimes, can spread. Fire can cast Light into Dark areas, and bring those areas to Light. A Fire that does not consume would bring Life, Light, and Warmth to wherever it is….
To not be consumed means to me you will not be obsessed, but keep a healthy perspective. Having seen many who are “on fire” for certain causes, we can become overzealous and start to ‘own’ whatever it is, and this, to me, is not healthy. I know that probably isn’t what was meant by this statement, but after having lived through one of these causes where people become mere chattel, and it was ‘the cause’ that is the most important thing, this meaning is there for me….so, I guess that is being consumed…..to me anyway…..again, this is just a rambling reflection.
To be standing beside the Burning Bush, and not step close to the Flame means I won’t risk being hurt. Or failing. It also means I won’t be contributing. I will be existing, and not living. I will be on Sacred Ground, but not in the very life of it…I will be an observer. Through my life, I have stepped into the Flame, and out of the Flame. I believe we have a choice…to either step in or out of the flame. I have done both.
I am moving into a new phase of my life, and am not content to just be an observer, or be afraid to fail, or worse, get hurt. It is worth the risk, this thing I am going to do, so I won’t be standing on the side of the Burning Bush, but will approach it with full knowledge of what I am doing, and reverently walk in with all my might. Getting hurt or failing is all right, because it is part of being alive. I know that now. If someone condemns me because I make a mistake, I will understand that it is human to make mistakes. And I will continue to learn, and stay in the Flame.
I will stand in the Fire of the Burning Bush, and will not be consumed, and I will allow the gifts of Light and Warmth to touch and envelope me.
And lastly, I bow to you Brother David and David Whyte, for giving us the gift of….yourselves and your Wisdom.