A room of one’s own
Get these posts by email. Sign up here
-
Free to
Do the things that you thought were impossible. Last week I was on Marble Hill beach in Donegal for the first time in years. I shook off the memory of walking easily along the shore and tried to be thankful that I was there again, by a different way. What I had not thought of…
-
Changing seasons
The weather in Donegal is so changeable. Heavy showers give way to sunny spells followed by more rain. As I watched the heavy rain give way to strong sunshine, I remembered that sometimes dark struggles pass and good things are waiting for you after them. It is hard sitting in the middle of hardship, and…
-
A hard-earned rest
After over four hours of playing a grueling tennis match in Wimbledon yesterday, the winner, Cameron Norrie, lay down on the court, clearly spent. There are busy, challenging times in all of our lives and times when we need to take a break.
-
Getting unstuck
Can you remember that story about Winnie the Pooh where he eats so much that he can’t get out of rabbit’s house? I have encountered a number of people who are stuck in an unpleasant situation and need a way out. Do you ever feel like that?
-
Bright sadness
I looked at some photos from twenty years ago and felt very sad. The pain of thinking back over things I have lost- the ability to walk or do all the things I used to do without even thinking about it is horrible. But what do I have now that brings the brightness into my…
-
Turn away from impossibility
And consider new approaches. I foolishly allowed myself to remember how simple life used to be, compared with this struggle to walk, transfer, get dressed, cook, among other things. But last Friday I went to see a place that tried to make things accessible, no matter how challenging basic tasks can become;
-
Sharp turns in the road.
I was thinking again today about how the path of life can take sudden, usually unwelcome turns. But then I was reminded that even when we find ourselves in unexpected places, new routes can appear.
-
You’ve got a friend
In Exodus 17:12 it tells the story of when Moses’ outstretched arms were getting tired, Aaron and Hur held them up for him. I have seen many times of weakness like that and many times when other people have stepped in to help me out. If we can show our need, many can help us…
-
Living without hope is useless.
I have tried it (pessimism) many times but it, thankfully, never sticks. I write towards a sad ending and can never do it. I was sitting close to giving up when, as always happens, I lifted my spirits and pushed myself up. I told you about the OT last week. She told me she was…
-
Change your tune
This morning the birdsong started at around five. There was one culprit who was louder and more persistent than the rest: the wren. Known for its tiny size, it has the loudest, most varied call. Impressive for the first few times then slightly annoying!
Ruth Writes 