Photo from the archive was taken at Tooreenbawn, Millstreet, Co.Cork (Irl)

A nest of wagtails wait patiently for food to arrive. Nature is alive and bubbling with new life at the moment.

Thought on Friday – May – 14/05/2021

‘Sometimes it may be an illness that becomes our new teacher or bereavement or the birth of a child or falling in love. Anything that shakes us out of our slumber and opens us to wider and deeper experience is a spiritual friend worthy of our gratitude.’ ~Donagh O’Shea

It is easy to be complacent and take much for granted all around us. Every day presents us with new challenges and opportunities. We do our best to make the most of them as they come. But some days can be hugely challenging to the point where it’s a struggle to cope.

We might not see such days as a friend. It is even tempting to push them to one side in the hope that tomorrow will be better. It is tempting to blame those around us particularly our nearest and dearest. It is even tempting to blame ourselves. Spiritual wisdom encourages us to hold these days because we learn and grow from them. This is different to wailing and moaning in self pity. When we hit difficult and tough days we move deeper and we ask God for the strength, courage and hope to rise above them.