Preparing for a Journey …
Many travelers have crossed Springston Bridge on the Coeur d’Alene River near
Harrison, Idaho. Built in the 1950’s, it is scheduled to be demolished soon.
On Ron’s and my radar for 2026 is a trip to the British Isles where we’ll cross several
“bridges,” both literally and metaphorically. We plan to spend a few days in the Dublin,
Ireland region, and a few more in the region in and around Edinburgh, Scotland, Then,
we’ll spend six days on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, England, where we will join a
group for a Celtic pilgrimage to this holy site.
I spent much of my last day of 2025 making and firming up flights, travel insurance, and
lodging plans. I experienced some stressful moments during this process and couldn’t
seem to access that Advent peace, which felt so real only a few days ago! As I was
reminded during 2025, I keep learning to accept and trust in the S-L-O-W work of God’s
transformational process!
Celtic spirituality has fascinated me since participating in a virtual Celtic pilgrimage,
sponsored through InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, during Covid. It was such a rich
experience, and we look forward to this opportunity. In preparation, I purchased a book
of Celtic prayers compiled by The Revd Canon David Aman, who was the Vicar of the
Holy Island of Lindisfarne for thirteen years.
I will be sharing many of these prayers in upcoming Listening on the Journey … blog
posts, and today, I would like to begin this new year with a Celtic blessing about
journeying.
The Lord be with your going
Bless you in your coming
The Presence be with your travels
Bless the road as it unravels
God go with thee on the road
Go thou out in the power of God
God go with thee on thy way
God protect thee from the fray
God keep thy body and thy soul
God watch thee as the years roll
God keep you safe when the cliffs are sheer
God keep you safe when the night is drear
God keep you safe on the path you tread
God keep you and be with you at your head
“The Edge of Glory” (p.52)
Blessings to each of us as we cross the bridge from 2025 and prepare to journey into the brand-new year of 2026!
