Nature

Columba’s name meant “dove of the church”. He and his monks were intimately connected with the natural world. They delighted in the flowers that carpeted Iona’s sandy machair and in the hard-won harvest from its thin soils. Their spirits soared at the call of the seals or an eagle hovering above the far hills. Nature sang of God’s glory but a storm-tossed sea could cut a life short. So they studied the tides and scudding clouds, and respected the currents and fierce winds. Yet those winds also brought many visitors.

One stormy night, an exhausted, injured crane struggled ashore. It was welcomed and cared for like any other honoured guest. Three days later, Columba watched it fly, strong and healthy, back towards Ireland. He sent it with blessings for the home he might never see again but kept in his heart the joy of helping a fellow traveller.

Nature sustains, amazes and heals us. All life-forms have immense value. We are only a small part of the whole, yet we have the power to help our world or to harm it.

What brings you joy in creation? What grieves you? What positive stories will you leave behind?

Going deeper

Please explore the links below to journey deeper