First Sunny Day of 2008!

Today was the first sunny day in 2008, with totally clear blue skies the entire day (not merely in 1 hour intervals). What a relief! As such, everyone seized the opportunity to get outside and soak it up, replenishing their Vitamin D stores, etc.

I went for a 10-mile run along the coastal road, my favorite route, reserved only for weekend runs on pretty days. It was lovely to see couple after couple out for a stroll, mostly elderly folks, also a few families. This all just put me in a grande mood--a gorgeous view of the mountains and sea and cliffs, friendly Irish folk out and about. Ahh, I'm in Ireland.

At some point, I was overcome by the beautiful scene and simply had to stop and just take it all in. I was looking out at Dalkey Island, a 22-acre island just 300 metres off the shore. Evidence has been found suggesting inhabitants were on the island 6000 years ago, that it was in use through the Iron age and early Christian period, and was also used as a Viking base.

On the island sits Martello Tower and the ruins of St. Begnet's church, which dates from the 7th century. This was such an intriguing scene--the stone ruins sitting in quiet, peaceful solitude on this island with waves crashing into the rocks and the sun shining onto the green grass canopy. The visual appeal was accompanied by the images conjured up of the early Irish monks seeking safe-haven on this isolated ground, or the battles fought on these shores during various invasions of Ireland. It all carries such history and indications of the legacy present throughout Ireland. Those round towers are a unique characteristic of monasteries here, and the structure of the abbey, along with the idea of the church in every community, has been maintained for over 1500 years.

I continued my run, marveling at the history of Ireland, once being "the land of saints and scholars," the propagation of the Celtic culture, the preservation of an Irish identity and jovial spirit despite tremendous adversity, the incredible upturn of the economy, the hospitality of the people, etc.
I also marveled at the existence of Beauty, and how this quality can cause someone to stop dead in their tracks just to soak in the scene. Also the need for us to be willing to pause or slow down our multitude of activities, to go out to be among community and enjoy simplicity in life, rather than be busily occupied in autonomous endeavors enclosed away from the rest of life and creation. There is something marvelous about being connected with history and humanity--the transmission of life and culture across time and locale...