Today’s St Patrick’s Day and naturally, my thoughts turn to the Irish. The Irish are known for their very meaningful blessings. But I also think of all the blessings I’ve received from them. Thanks to my extended family having many Irish friends – mainly priests and nuns who made India their home – and then my Aunt Leila bringing in a lot of Irish literature and music in to our home.
So with books it was Catherine Cookson for me then and Cecelia Ahern now. I loved the very real characters and the stories of good triumphing in the harsh and poor conditions that were a part of Catherine Cookson’s writing. And now I love the crazy fantasy of Cecelia Ahern. Somehow both authors manage to make me laugh and cry.
As a child I heard the crazy songs of Val Doonican and its the beautiful soul stirring songs of Celtic Woman and Celtic Thunder now.
Enjoy Ireland’s Call by Celtic Thunder:
I love the lilt of the Irish accent and their phrases, of course – wise and funny all at once! Some examples:
- Many a time a man’s mouth broke his nose.
- It is easy to halve the potato where there is love.
- Wisdom is the comb given to a man after he has lost his hair.
- If you give the loan of your britches, don’t cut off the buttons.
So if you haven’t already ‘discovered’ the Irish, make some time to do that! In the meantime, here’s a wonderful Irish blessing upon you dear readers today:
May the blessing of light be upon you,
Light on the outside,
Light on the inside.
With God’s sunlight shining on you,
May your heart glow with warmth,
Like a turf fire
that welcomes friends and strangers alike.
May the light of the Lord shine from your eyes,
Like a candle in the window,
Welcoming the weary traveller.
And here’s one that shows the typical humor of the Irish.
May those who love us, love us;
And for those who don’t love us,
May God turn their hearts;
And if He doesn’t turn their hearts,
May He turn their ankles,
So we will know them by their limping!
May you be inspired – everyday!
