It has been a year since we went into
lockdown and what started as a very strange phenomenon in the beginning has
become rather ‘normal’ to me. It is strange how we adapt. Of course I still
think of the ‘good old days’ when we could just go gallivanting across
continents and oceans. But being a homebody as well, I have no lack of
wonderful things to do at home. Believe it or not, I go to bed at night excited
about what I am going to do tomorrow! And I am happy that we travelled much
when we could travel.
Now that the days are longer, there are so
many fun things to do in the garden as well. While the outside weather may vary
from rain to hailstones, the inside temperature of the green house and
polytunnel remains rather constant and that is a real bonus. Extra touches like
Peter Rabbit hoeing, koi fish flags flying and metal hens that lay eggs make
everything very me.
So we have St Patrick’s Day just round the
corner – March 17 to be exact. Just like last year, there are no parades or
mass gatherings. For me, it will be just like any other day, but I will still
put up the flag and highlight my hair green for the fun of it and probably give
the stove a rest and get a takeaway in tricolour. When I first started
gardening, the teacher said I should plant first earlies (potatoes) by 17
March. Obedient student that I am, I have done so and they have sprouted.
I enjoy reading myths and legends of the land, and we can
learn a thing or two from St Patrick, the man himself.
1. Forgiveness
Patrick was kidnapped at the age of 16 and
forced to work as a slave in Ireland. Imagine the trauma and the terror and the
continual attempts to escape. Escape he did and the strange thing is instead of
harbouring anger and unforgiveness towards those who stole 6 years of his
freedom, he chose to ‘come and walk among the Irish’. He wrote,
I saw a man coming, as it were from Ireland. His name was
Victoricus, and he carried many letters, and he gave me one of them. I read the
heading: “The Voice of the Irish”. As I began the letter, I imagined in that
moment that I heard the voice of those very people who were near the wood
of Foclut, which is beside the western sea—and they cried out, as with one
voice: “We appeal to you, to come and walk among us.
Marianne
Williamson says: Unforgiveness is like
drinking poison yourself and waiting for the other person to die
2. Stepping
out
Patrick stepped out of his comfort zone. He could have
chosen to remain in his safe and cozy home after his escape but he did
not. There is this innate fear or
resistance to try new things. For as long as we are in lockdown, zoom is about
the best gift ever for human interaction. Truth be told I never liked it
initially, much less host a session. By now I’m virtually travelling across
counties and countries via Zoom or Teams App and attending Spring classes or
talks:– Craft (Tipp and Galway) Dance
(Kerry) Religion (Limerick) and Archaeology (Middle East)
3. Team work
makes the dream work
Patrick couldn’t have done it without his core group or supporters.
He would have given up, burnt out even. Many establishments have collapsed and
businesses have gone bankrupt during these times. In our home, Mike and I are a
team – united in common interests, understanding and remembering that we are
both human, warts and all. Communication is key because things unsaid and issues
that are unresolved will never go away. And we are both unfinished canvasses
and that’s wonderful as well because there is so much to learn and appreciate.
4. It costs
little to care
St Patrick was also a
shepherd to the flock in Ireland, which grew exponentially in his lifetime and
beyond. He was an evangelist, a missionary, and a pastor. For me at this
time especially a phone call, a card, a present, a text or a prayer makes all
the difference to a stranger, an acquaintance, a friend or a family member.
May the Strength of
God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us.
Against the snares of the evil one.
-
St Patrick,
433CE
