Photo from the archive was taken at Killarney National Park, Co.Kerry (Irl)

This National Park has literally hundreds of acres of fields, walkways, woods, forests, lakes, streams and rivers. It’s a walker’s paradise. It’s safe, mainly flat, fabulous scenery and a great place to get some peace and quiet. In Ireland during our latest lockdown it is great to get out for a walk within 5km of our homes

‘We live in an over stimulated, hyperactive age that makes the practice of stillness very difficult. Peaceful stillness is at the heart of prayer and union with God. It is also at the heart of wholesome sanity.’ ~Gillian McVeigh

We all long for some peace and quiet. We know it’s important and good for us. But what we hope and wish for, doesn’t always work out especially when it comes to quietness and being still. Even if we look back on our day so far, we know we’ve been particularly busy and active. Sometimes and maybe often, our busyness stifles opportunities to take things a little easier.

One of the most famous lines from Psalm 23 reads: ‘Near restful waters he leads me to revive my drooping spirit.’
Where are my restful waters? Have I some place to go where I know it’s peaceful and quiet? Is there some space in my home that I can claim as my quiet time even if it’s only for a few minutes? Do I see prayer as an opportunity for peace and quiet?