This first morning in Wales, I was awakened by a rooster crowing in the churchyard right outside my window. I arose to watch the sunrise and saw him ruffling his wings in the new morning light. As soon as the sun came over the wall, he departed and the doves began their morning songs... How biblical is that!? From the cock's crow to the dove of peace.
It is Pentecost and as I type this after worship and a hearty breakfast, the church bells are pealing forth with joyous sounds. Perhaps this occurs every Sunday but I'd like to think it is for this special day.
Yesterday, the e-mail devotional from the Henri Nouwen Society was so perfect for Pentecost and for the start of this pilgrimage. He wrote:
The breath of God within us...
When we speak about the Holy Spirit, we speak about the breath of God breathing in us. The Greek word for spirit is pneuma which means breath. We are seldom aware of our breathing. It is so essential for life that we only think about it when something is wrong with it. The Spirit of God is like our breath. God's spirit is more intimate to us than we are to ourselves. We might not often be aware of it but without it we cannot live a spiritual life. It's the Holy Spirit who prays with us, who offers us the gifts of love, forgiveness, kindness, goodness, gentleness, peace, and joy. It is the Holy Spirit who offers us the life that death cannot destroy. Let us always pray, Come Holy Spirit, Come.
So as I embark on the first day of this sacred pilgrimage, I pray that the Holy Spirit descending this day of Pentecost will accompany me, and all of us gathered here, on the journey.
Mary-Blair Valentine
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