A YEAR IN PROVIDENCE Providence is a good word; in fact its one of my favourite words. I returned to Iona a little over a year ago with no expectation of how long it would take to close my reason for coming back so soon. It could have been a month, six months, or a year and a bit as Ive discovered it to be. On the surface it could seem to have been a pointless exercise hinged in the recent past, yet nothing I have experienced can be meaningless....no chance. My first year here in 2012 was an initiation to being broken, truly broken, and it took many months to open my eyes beyond the disappointment, hurt, unforgiveness and regret. I believe there is great freedom in taking 100% responsibility for what happens in your life and embracing the challenge, difficulty and pain rather than just celebrating the joy and feel good blessings. I have often been asked Do you think Iona is a spiritual place? from those who come here with an expectation that they will find some significant answer in this so-named holy island. My reply to that question is simply No, I dont. Followed by a brief explanation that I dont believe whatever you are looking for is out of your hands and waiting on the beach or hiding in the tussock grass...however beautiful those elements may be. I believe anywhere on earth can be (and is) holy and you dont need the stone and mortar of an Abbey or a picture perfect sunset to declare it. Ive seen it here in the joy of someone running barefoot through the sand and in the sighs of a photographer capturing beautiful colours as much as in the joyous laughter of a child jumping off a sofa into waiting arms and at another time someone sitting on that same sofa in quiet tears for the emptiness or fullness they feel. I believe the question is about reconciliation and that handful of sand falling through your fingers. I am thankful for Iona and most definitely believe God is here, but no more than any other corner of the world whether it be a natural paradise or a prison with or without bars. And on the point of appreciation – I especially wish to offer my heartfelt thanks and love to Daniel, Clare & Joseph, Sagar & Colette and Graham whose sincere expression of truth shared with me here in recent months has been an inspiration and further confirmation as the source to overcome. And in personal reflection to the attached ending of the classic Local Hero ... You have to leave to never leave, otherwise youll never appreciate what you had and more importantly...have. Although I have the sneaking suspicion Ill be back at some point down the line for a slow wander and floating sunset. Thanks to all.
Posted on: Wed, 04 Jun 2014 00:34:28 +0000