I have recently returned from an amazing visit to the beautiful Island of Iona. Iona is located off the western edge of Mull and getting to it is an experience in itself! I have visited Iona twice before, both occasions becoming very important moments on my faith journey. This time we went as a whole family and travelling so far took some planning and organising, in order to get train and ferry connections it also meant a stop over in Glasgow (see previous blog post). Finally we arrived on the Island where we were welcomed by members of the resident community who live and work in the Abbey and MacLeod centre which are run by the Iona community.
The founder of the Iona community George MacLeod described Iona as a 'thin place where only a tissue paper separates the material from the spiritual'. When I first visited the Island, some twenty years ago, I didn't really believe that any particular place was 'more spiritual' than any other (and in many ways I still don't) however when I first stepped foot onto the Island something felt different - there was certainly a sense of peace which was overwhelming and a feeling that God was especially close. The Celtic description of 'thin places' is something I find helpful because for me it describes that sense in which there can be places where we can connect with God more easily (I'm still not sure I believe that a place in and of themselves are any different though).
It has led me to think how I 'carry thinness' or help to create 'thin spaces' for others. Its led me to consider how my life/work/prayer can be more holistic and what affect my faith has on all my life.
Deep peace of the running wave to you,
of the flowing air to you,
of the quiet air to you,
of the shining stars to you,
of the son of Peace to you.