|
Written by Kathy Platt
|
|
Tuesday, 17 August 2010 14:22 |
|
I can't quite believe that I am back at my desk - I have had such a wonderfully long and full holiday, but it flew by in many ways. I figured out that between July 1st and Augusut 15th, I spent 26 nights in a tent - that is rather amazing! I spent time climbing mountains, and paddling for many kilometres in Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, and enjoying the solitude and beauty of the property we own in Manitoba. I must admit it feels rather wonderful to be back in my own bed, but I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to be so close to the ground for so many nights. Paul Tillich wrote a book called "on the boundary", where he described what it was like to have your feet in two worlds - to not define yourself as belonging solely to one world, but recognize that you are a part of both. For example, he defines himself as being both a philosopher and a theologian, finding either description to be too confining on its own, so he uses both. Another of those examples is that he wrote that he lives in the city but that he is from the country. He explains that he deeply enjoys the vitality and stimulation of city living, but that he needs to return to the country to allow the land and silence to restore his soul and to ground him. I found that a very helpful way to explain how this summer holiday has restored me - to listen to the call of the loons, to watch a couple of deer checking us out, to breathe in the smell of the trees and the earth - all those things were vital to my well-being this summer. But it does feel good to be back in the land where I can easily find a good cup of coffee! I am really glad to be back and am looking forward to preparing worship for this Sunday - that is the sign of a good holiday - when it just feels right to be back. We'll see if I am still feeling that way at the end of this week!
|
Located in Regina, SK.
We are an 
