Photo was taken at Ballincollig Regional Park, Ballincollig, Co.Cork (Irl)
It was 11 years ago on November 19-20, that the River Lee violently burst its banks following weeks of heavy rainfall, high tides, and a decision taken by the ESB, on safety grounds, to release millions of tonnes of water from the Inniscara Dam, 10km west of Cork city.
At the time I was Chaplain in Col√°iste Choilm, Ballincollig and I was living near the Regional Park. I remember heading down at first light to see the floods. Nothing could have prepared me for what I saw. The River Lee was a raging torrent, with so many homes flooded with even worse news of serious flooding further up in the city. The city was on red alert making National and International news.
The only walkway in the Regional Park that wasn’t covered under water that morning was along what they call the ‘Oak Walk’. I made my way along it until I got to the famous Ballincollig weir. Normally there is a big drop in the weir but that morning it was completely level such was the height of the water. I was the first one there that morning to capture the moment. This was mainly because I knew of a safe and the only way to that point where I took the photo. It will always be a significant memory for me in photos that stand out.
In this photo I have included what it also looked like when the weir was in normal flow.
Thought on Saturday – November – 21/11/2020
Thought For The Week
‘We must accept that this creative pulse within us is God’s creative pulse itself.’ ~Joseph Chilton Pearce
A magazine asked its readers, “What are the most inspiring words you have ever been told?” Some answers were predictable, some were flippant, some were deep and profound but one that stood out in particular was the following: “You may not know where life’s road will lead you, but keep moving because God is walking with you”.
There are few who know where life’s road will take us. If we knew everything we might be gripped with fear or bubble with excitement. But to know everything would quench the element of surprise and a sense of looking forward. We are invited to put our trust in God knowing that God is walking with us, whatever may lie ahead of us.
The Gospel acclamation that was used at Sunday Mass at the weekend went: “Alleluia, Alleluia. Make your home in me, as I make mine in you, says the Lord. Whoever remains in me and with me, bears fruit in plenty.” This is a beautiful line and is another reminder of how close God is to us. We often talk about this closeness. It is never occasional but is always real and lasting.
One of the best known poems/reflections in our Christian tradition is ‘Footprints in the Sand’. In the dream a man saw the footprints of Jesus beside his own and these were present where ever he went. But the man wondered why there was only one set of footprints during the most difficult and challenging times in his life. And the words of Jesus to him were: “It was then that I carried you.” During these difficult and challenging times of Covid 19 it is good to know that God is walking with us through everything.
Thought For The Week is updated each Monday
