Piloting Faith: The magic of "thin places"...

A Word for the Day...

Ann and I have spent the past 16 days on a journey through the United Kingdom starting in Ireland, then to London where we attended Wimbledon, up to Edinburgh and then concluding on the Isle of Iona, from where I am writing to you today. All of the places we have seen were beautiful, full of generous friends and new experiences. We have seen much of the world at this point in our lives. We know the power of learning about new cultures and seeing new sights.

We were entirely unprepared for the Isle of Iona.

Iona is a small island, 3 miles around, off the coast of the Isle of Mull. It’s famed to be the early birthplace of Celtic Christianity, the place where early monks wrote the Book of Kells and hundreds of other great works. Many of those who visit call Iona a “thin place,” a place where heaven and earth touch.

I never truly understood what that meant until I walked into the ruins of the ancient nunnery and felt the energetic presence of generations of women become real for me. Then we climbed the cliffs overlooking the sea at the southern end of the island, and I felt the power of earth, wind, water and fire (the sun) infuse me with the deepest sense of peace I’ve ever known. My skin literally tingled.

Some say that Iona is magical. I would agree, in the deepest of mythological ways. It’s a place that, because of its overwhelming beauty, inspires stories of pilgrims searching for life’s great truths, noble quests of brave knights and spiritual seekers dedicating themselves to life in service to God. It is both a reprieve for healing and a launch point for a hero’s journey.

I am now among the incredibly lucky souls who have experienced Iona. I can also attest that what one experiences here can be experienced elsewhere. “Thin places” are everywhere, once you know how to sense them. Follow the energy and open yourself to beauty. God is always breaking through, seeking us out, for healing and wholeness.

- Rev. Cameron Trimble, author of Piloting Church: Helping Your Congregation Take Flight

Blessing for the Week

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields
and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of God's hand.

- Traditional Irish Blessing