Back to the holidays. We have latterly been off on our travels, this means three things Churches, walks and Camping.We have been on a bit of a road trip this time taking in Luxembourg, Trier,Metz and Amiens among other delights. We have squeezed our way through rocks, climbed up and down river banks and seen beautiful and awesome Holy places. I feel privileged once again to be able to experience these wonderful things. I must stress that I have not been doing all this barefoot, my insanity radar is not quite that high. The barefoot bit refers to those night time dashes to the facility block with a certain little (well not quite so little) five year old. For these there is no time to put on shoes, even is I had wanted to. So in the freezing cold mud we dash through the gauntlet of rain at least once every night. Part of me enjoys these night sojourns, as much to my daughters amusement I use the time to point out all the fantastic wildlife that makes it into this light filled arena. This year we had a multitude of moths, a frog or two and the inevitable Daddy Long legs to amuse us. Yet there is a down side to the local wildlife bit, because pray as hard as I might, it does not seem to be appreciated by anyone that my need to be separated from the local eight legged wildlife is essential for everyone's sanity.
I like getting back to the simple things in life for a while. It is nice not to have all the faff of modern life to contend with. It also reminds me as the night draws in and the temperature drops that there are many people who do not even have the protection of canvas over their heads at night. It brings a whole new level of appreciation for what they go through. As I pull the blanket up over me, light the gas stove and drink my warm cocoa and I am still freezing cold and grumpy about the noise of the rain on the tent. Yet even in what I might call a small level of hardship I am so much better off than many. Puts it all in to perspective when you start thinking of carpets, heating and a warm bed (all of which I now very gratefully have back). No matter how grumpy I am feeling about the situation these tendencies to realize the privileges I have does mean I am inclined towards making the best of every situation I am placed in. After all had I not put up with the hardships I would not have seen the awesome space at Metz, the gorgeous Gothic Grandeur at Amiens and the colourful calming space at Trier.
It has to be said that after the last three soggy and grey days of the holiday, I was all to pleased to be pulling into the valleys of Yorkshire. As we drove through the sun was shining gloriously and inside the car you could ignore the cold and pretend that it was a warming Summers day. It felt truly like I was coming home. Somehow spending a short time away has made Ilkley home, more than ever.
So many adventures and blessing had and left to be had, for this I am more than grateful.
I like getting back to the simple things in life for a while. It is nice not to have all the faff of modern life to contend with. It also reminds me as the night draws in and the temperature drops that there are many people who do not even have the protection of canvas over their heads at night. It brings a whole new level of appreciation for what they go through. As I pull the blanket up over me, light the gas stove and drink my warm cocoa and I am still freezing cold and grumpy about the noise of the rain on the tent. Yet even in what I might call a small level of hardship I am so much better off than many. Puts it all in to perspective when you start thinking of carpets, heating and a warm bed (all of which I now very gratefully have back). No matter how grumpy I am feeling about the situation these tendencies to realize the privileges I have does mean I am inclined towards making the best of every situation I am placed in. After all had I not put up with the hardships I would not have seen the awesome space at Metz, the gorgeous Gothic Grandeur at Amiens and the colourful calming space at Trier.
It has to be said that after the last three soggy and grey days of the holiday, I was all to pleased to be pulling into the valleys of Yorkshire. As we drove through the sun was shining gloriously and inside the car you could ignore the cold and pretend that it was a warming Summers day. It felt truly like I was coming home. Somehow spending a short time away has made Ilkley home, more than ever.
So many adventures and blessing had and left to be had, for this I am more than grateful.
