Galway to Inis Mor

 Today was a relaxing day I slept in, read a little and took a long shower before packing up and getting ready to catch the bus for the ferry. It was nice to have a restful morning. 


I got directions from the hotel clerk on how to find the Aran Island Ferry, but after stepping on to the street, I got a little confused and so I asked some people who looked local walking by. What a delightful encounter. They walked with me most of the way. They also told me I might be able to catch the Kilkenny-Limerick Hurling playoffs this afternoon. The whole country would be watching.


The bus ride to the ferries took us all the way through Galway. It has changed so much since I was here 20 years ago. And the ride over to Inis Mor was perfect. The sun is shining and the water smooth. I have a small one room cottage with a few of the bay. 


I got here around three and went down to the bar/restaurant to get a snack and found the game was about to start. It was so fun to watch the game with everyone. This game is like our Super Bowl so you can image the excitement. Unfortunately Kilkenny lost by a few points but it was still fun.


I met the group at 5 for the start of our retreat. It seems like a wonderful group.  We did an exercise where Kirk our leader asked us to wade into the ocean as we were ready, asking for the wisdom of what we need to see in ourselves this week that we have not seen or known or what we want to release. As the tide came in I was reminded that our God is always inviting us, touching us, encouraging us to wade in. And by looking at my own reflection in the water, I tried to look closer and to invite myself and indeed welcome the parts of me that are always just below the surface. 


God of All that is, as I begin this week, help me to listen deeply to my own heart and soul and help me to listen deeply to others. Give me new eyes and arouse my curiosity. May the spirit of the living God touch and infuse my heart.





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