I’m all packed in my two bags (large and small backpack) a when my alarm goes off at 7 AM tomorrow I’ll get up, dress, pack my toiletries, my thermos of col water, make myself a cup of coffee and head out to the Wester Hailes station of ScotRail. Then I will take the train into town, spend a few hours reflecting on the legacy of John Knox, especially at St. Giles, the Knox house and, of course the castle (which I last visite 22 years ago)
I’ll pick up a train about 2 PM, and then a bus for St. Andrews, where I will actually visit a friend, but also check out more sights associated with the rise of Protestantism in Scotland, like the Castle, and the martyrdom site of George Wishart. Monday I am off to Inverness for a couple of days, then Fort William for some hiking, Oban, and starting a retreat on Iona on the 31st, one week from tomorrow.
I’m so ready to get started, but I also pray that I can carry my experience here with me. Life the last ten days has been unhurried, there have been no things that had to happen soon, no requirements on me. I’ve read, watched videos on biblical archeology, planned other parts of my trip, and done a lot of cross stitch (rough that one of my stops tomorrow will be to pick up more embroidery floss and fabric!
Gracious God help me remember that this is about rest as much as renewal. Keep me faithful to the slow down that has been the gift of these last ten days.
Safe journey. Love you.
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