Thought for the Week

I love the road across the Kintyre peninsula from near Whitehouse over to Cloanaig.

At the summit of the single-track road, it is worth stopping to take in the amazing view. On a clear day looking back you can see the Paps of Jura while ahead are the majestic hills of Arran.

Often in life we look back at what has seemed to be so good and we may yearn to have that time again.

At other times we look forward and wish our life away by wishing it was time for whatever particular event we so eagerly anticipate, or we spend time worrying about what might never be.

Sometimes we need to just look around where we are and realise all the joy that surrounds us in the present – in the beauty around us and the family and friends that are beside us.

Sometimes, like the psalmist, we need to lift our eyes to the hills and give thanks for the wonder of it all in the right here and now.

For often the present is the best place to be, and often we miss its joy by yearning for the past and worrying about the future.

As we approach Cloanaig, we can no longer see the Paps of Jura behind but only the mountains of Arran ahead.

Goat Fell peeps out of the cloud and as the mist is scattered from the hills a wonderful panorama lies before us.

And as I board the ferry and look at the waves and think of the storms in life, past and in the future, I am reminded of that lovely prayer: Lord Christ, you are the still centre of every storm. In you is calm, whatever the wind outside. In you is reassurance, however high the waves. In you is strength, however contrary the tide.