Dear Spiritual Family,
As this is being written, we have just returned from our Ireland vacation. It was a rich and enlightening experience, one that we spoke about in last week’s written message.
In the town of Galway on the western side of the Emerald Isle, by the bay there, we learned of a tradition of kicking the wall in a particular spot just before donning your swim “togs” and heading into the cold waters of the Atlantic. Indeed, there were a good number of folks, young and old, doing just that on that cloudy, cool day. The incentive for the “kick” and the swim is that it is good for your health.
You might have guessed by now that we and Mary’s brother and sister-in-law didn’t “don our togs” as a local suggested we do and head into the sea with the others, but we did “kick the wall” in the designated spot. Although bone dry, we felt healthier immediately. We were ready to accept our good to the extent we deemed reasonable! 😊 😊.
More interesting than this and measurably more mystical was the experience we had in Dublin at St. Audoen’s Church. We were referred to their Visitor’s Center, quite serendipitously by a “stranger” passing by as we were snapping photos in the area. As it turns out, services have been held there continuously for over 800 years. It was a place considered crucial to the life of the medieval city. (You can see a bit more about St. Audoen’s at www.heritageireland.ie)
It was there that we discovered a prominently displayed grave-slab from the late 9th Century. It was rumored to have a supernatural guardian, because despite being removed a number of times from the church, it has always returned to its natural place. Considered good luck to touch it, all four of us did just that and deeply felt the blessing associated with this extremely heavy and storied “talisman.”
As I, Rev. Steve, reflect on these touch stones, two of the multitude of such remarkable icons throughout the world, I am reminded of the “touch stone” that exists, immovable, unalterable and always available to each of us. It is the Touch Stone that is the secret place of the Most High. It is where each of is called to – to listen to the Beloved’s “still, small voice.”
To go there is to wisely nourish our spiritual health and help keep a healthier perspective in this life experience. To touch the Heart of God is a mystical and life-enriching practice. We don’t have to travel thousands of miles or recite certain incantations to touch this Holy Place. It beckons to us every moment of every day and says to us, “Come and rest in Me. I will renew your strength and clarify your vision.” No doubt, we will not want to miss “visiting” this highest and most holy “touch stone.”
We Love You,
Rev. Steve and Mary