I WAS greatly inspired recently by RTÉ’s documentary detailing the very moving story of Colm Murray’s struggle with motor neurone disease.
This neurological illness is progressive, incurable and terminal.
He jokingly described this reality as ‘the pits’. I was taken by his determination to embrace every moment, despite the limitations of his illness. I also found his friend’s (Willie Mullins) advice for Colm to return to work as very inspirational.
Most weeks, I often visit hospitals, where I come into contact with good people who are burdened with serious illness.
As I leave, I always feel grateful and indeed content for the gifts of health and mental wellbeing. Tomorrow is the first day of February, St Brigid’s Day, a day which brings great hope.
St Brigid brings with her a story of compassion, generosity, healing and renewal.
Tomorrow marks the beginning of spring.
Yes, it may still feel cold, but already, brighter evenings, emerging green shoots and snowdrops announce a time for new beginnings. I’m glad the darkness of winter is ending and I feel enthusiastic and expectant.
Over the past few weeks, I have celebrated a number of funerals.
What struck me most about these celebrations was the power of the positive, unique and talented spirit that is contained within us all – lives that greatly enhanced not just their immediate families but also the wider community; people who were sincere, genuine and energetic in sharing life freely with others.
We must never take for granted the wonderful gift that is community.
The truth of the matter is that all of us carry a sense of winter and spring.
Winter is often felt in the pain, anxiety and burden that is part of our human story. It is also experienced in our vulnerability and struggle, our losses and human frailty.
However, this fragile truth does not truly define who we are.
All of us have a beautiful spring, constantly being renewed in all our hearts. The spring tells the story of our resilience, courage, determination and imagination. The spring in our story is about being able to begin again.
Springtime embraces the possible.
This is a time when many people are asking real questions regarding where we go from here as a country. I suggest that part of this discernment is about tapping into the spring of giftedness, talent and abundance, found within the depths of all our being.
Surely the wonderful neighbours and good people that are the living fabric of every community remind us that people are more important than policy and community is far more powerful than an economy crying out for the opportunity of growth this spring.
The spring marks a significant change in the year. Colm Murray is an example of both winter and spring. I didn’t sense depression, despair or isolation from his spirit.
What inspired me most was his appreciation for the powerful gift that is our present moment.
Take time this early spring to go for a walk and to give thanks for the brighter evenings.
Breathe in the spirit of hope and life that assures us ‘we are not alone ... God is very near’.