Photo was taken yesterday at the Cork Beekeepers Association Apiary, Carrigrohane, Cork (Irl)

These honeybees were happy to rest right on top!!

Thought on Sunday – June – 08/06/2014

The following Thought is by Triona Doherty called ‘Wind and Fire’

Last winter offered us a taste of how powerful the wind can be. The west coast of Ireland bore the brunt of weeks of storm force winds that decimated beaches, uprooted trees and tore up coastal walls and roads. Many other countries have suffered a great deal more at the hands of hurricanes, tornados and severe winds. Fire, when it burns out of control, can destroy homes and belongings, and can injure and kill. Forest or bush fires can cause widespread damage. Yet these powerful elements can be benevolent forces too. A breeze can soothe on a hot day, a gentle wind can aid an athlete, while more powerful gusts can even generate electricity. In this country we certainly appreciate the value of a day when there’s ‘good drying out’! And fire is a great source of heat and comfort.

Why does the Holy Spirit manifest as these elements? Wind and fire are signs of both the power of God and of strength for the task ahead. The well-known Irish blessing goes: ‘May the wind be always at your back’. I like to think of the Holy Spirit as both the wind at our backs, and the fire within us – the love within, and the impetus to love others. Is your heart on fire with the love of God? What is the force that spurs you on?