A different pace

Penny and I have arrived on the Holy Isle of Iona in the western islands of Scotland. We got here late yesterday evening under grey clouds, hinting of rain. The rain came in the early morning, along with gale force winds that tossed the anchored boats on high white waves. From the Hotel Argyll where we are staying the week, I watched the ferry struggle against the fierce wind and waves to deliver its cargo of day tourists and a truck of provisions from the larger and nearby island of Mull. Poet Mary Oliver says poets are people who pay attention. I am slowing down here after two busy weeks of reading, listening, learning at Oxford and am, with the change of pace, paying greater attention to what is happening around me and giving God thanks, howling winds and all.