Thought for the Week

WE HADN’T been on Islay for about 20 years.

It had been a memorable weekend with incessant rain, relentless winds, thick swirling mist and a chill which defeated the warmest of fleeces. It was the middle of June and we were miserable.

Last weekend, I had the privilege of leading worship at the Round Church, Bowmore and St John’s Church, Port Ellen.

The weather was indescribably beautiful. The sun shone from dawn till dusk and embraced the island with light which transformed everything.

What a difference the sun makes. The gorse was iridescent, the hills were a blur of bluebells, skylarks filled the air and lambs leapt in joyful harmony. It was absolute perfection.

The sea shimmered in shades of blue and turquoise as it caressed beaches of pure white sand. What a difference the sun makes.

The Ileachs rejoiced in the pleasure their island gave her visitors, and their welcome was as warm as the sun.

What a contrast to our first visit and what a difference the sun makes. The sun has transforming power and lifts our tired souls.

I thought about the contrast between our visits and how the sun transformed the gloom and the darkness.

I thought too how fortunate we are to also know God’s Son who will transform our spiritual darkness and refresh our tired souls. What a difference the Son makes.

As the Finlaggan sailed into the beauty of the afternoon sun, I reflected on the wonderful couple of days where we were shown kindness and hospitality.

The sun shone for us, and the love of the Son shone on us, in the people we met and the kindness shown.