I don’t think I have a drop of Irish blood in me (unlike my children whose grandmother is very proud of her Irish heritage), but my dad always had this Irish blessing hanging in our home as I was growing up:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
The theological references are pretty subtle but some have said that the wind refers to the Holy Spirit guiding you along the way, the sun’s warmth alludes to God’s mercy, and the rain is symbolic of God’s provision — nothing grows without water. Regardless, the beauty of the poem/blessing has always given me a sense of peace and comfort.
So on this St. Patrick’s Day I hope this blessing also gives you comfort and fills you with peace even if you’re facing a loss, a challenge or a heartache. God’s hand is close and full of love.
Grace and peace,
Pastor Mary
