An Irish Blessing
Belated St. Patrick’s Day
I received a card yesterday at my church from an elderly Irish congregant and it cheered my heart. It was an Irish blessing and seeing that yesterday was St. Patrick’s day it made my day.
What made it special was the fact that it reminded me of my father. My dad was a hard working man from Belfast who worked with his hands—for many years—buffing cars in a body shop by day and sweeping factory floors by night. But in his heart he was a poet who had memorized many a poem and could recite them by heart with his beautiful lilting Irish voice and sparkling, smiling, blue eyes. I can hear him now reciting these very lines:
May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be ever at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
And the rain fall softly on your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you
In the hollow of His hand.
I miss hearing the Irish voice of “the walking man” and seeing his aqua blue eyes always on the lookout for “Gracie” (his Dublin bride).
In this Lenten season I hope that you also experience the joy of this winsome Irish blessing which my father knew so well. And with it the accompanying grace,
“May the hand of a friend always be near you, and may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.”
A belated St. Patrick’s Day blessing.
Yes, Pastor Alan. It’s amazing how the Spirit works. Sharing this peom reflect my very thoughts. Fascinating. These are the moments I see and hear Father speaking and it’s great encouragement. Happy belated St. Patrick’s day to you☘️☘️☘️
Hi Alan,
Thanks for sharing that reminiscence. It touched my heart. I have great memories of ‘the walking man’ and his face, especially his smile, and his sly humour are as clear to me as a photo.
Sharon and I are headed to the Emerald Isle in June. We will of course visit Gernontown but please let us know of any especially sacred or historical or historically sacred spots you’d recommend for visits.
Blessings on you.
Bob