Photo was taken at Bantry, West Cork (Irl)
The ‘Darkness Into Light’ walk is a hugely popular event and the symbolism of the walk is deeply spiritual, real and close to many people’s hearts. When it started ten years ago just 400 people did the walk. Today at least 250,000 people will have completed the walk in many parts of Ireland and in different countries across the world.
The walk starts at 4.15am in darkness and during the 5km walk they will have walked from darkness into a new dawn and light. It is a symbolic walk representing the road to a brighter future for those who are struggling with their mental health. It is a journey from darkness to hope.
It is also much more than just a walk. It is a global movement against self harm and suicide. Everyone knows someone that has been effected by these issues and it clearly shows from the massive growth in the event over the past few years. Congrats and well done to everyone who is a part of this very special walk and event.
Thought on Sunday – May – 12/05/2019
Thought For Week
‘People who pray for miracles usually don’t get miracles. But people who pray for courage and strength to bear the unbearable, for the grace to remember what they have left instead of what they have lost, very often find their prayers answered. Their prayers helped them to tap hidden reserves of faith and courage which were not available to them before.’ ~Harold S.Kushner
It has been said that miracles do happen but miracles are also rare and infrequent. We hear sometimes of miracles in places of pilgrimage like Lourdes. The word miracle is often outside what we experience each day. So what do we mean by a miracle? In our dictionary it is defined as an extraordinary and welcome event that is not explained by natural or scientific laws and is therefore attributed to something divine. But even this explanation means that miracles still feel outside of what we experience each day.
Maybe a better explanation is to move away from some big or spectacular event to something much simpler. If we hope to win the Lotto or are waiting for some life changing event to happen, then we have misunderstood the word miracle. Yes miracles do happen but they are much more quiet and subtle.
Little miracles happen quietly around us each day, like the miracle of a smile, a word of thanks, an encouraging word, a friendly gesture, a helping hand and so much more. Many miracles also happen through prayer particularly those prayers that are open, honest and heartfelt.
Our journey through Easter is currently coinciding with nature’s great explosion of colour, growth and energy as we head towards summer. The miracles of nature are impressive but we can often be so busy that we miss them. The same can happen with the little miracles that flourish each day in our own lives. We can often miss them, not appreciate them but they are there.
As we journey through these weeks of Easter it is a good time to celebrate the miracles that are present in all our lives. We can also make a little miracle happen for someone else. To us it might be almost insignificant but for another person it could mean the world.
Thought For The Week is updated each Monday
