I believe holidays are not a luxury, they are a necessity.
In this busy world, work and other activities demand our time and energy until one is worn out. I thought it important for us as a family, even though a big family, to get away for a summer break. We had valuable time together creating memories.
Brendan and I are staying in Limerick. It is a little bit different this year. We are on our own, instead of eight, nine or twelve of us. A friend offered us the use of his home while he and his family are on their holidays. We usually take a holiday at the beginning of May to recharge our batteries after winter and work schedules. There was no time free in May this year. My body was weary and needing some attention. I dreamed of travelling west in Ireland to be refreshed seeing the mountains and green valleys. I decided to help Brendan continue prepare for people who were coming to stay with us. I continued to dream.
June was busy with guests from Alabama and India. The day before guests arrived our friend called to offer us his home in Adare at the end of June. When Brendan told me I was delighted. God is faithful. He knew my need of rest and he provided. As we shared our home with others, God inspired another person to share his home with us.
A man reaps what he sows.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:7, 9 NIV)
Thirty years ago, our friend offered us the use of his home. We had eight children at the time. It was a generous gesture. Not everyone wants to let a big family have the run of their home. We were able to visit the local tourist scenes and go to the beach when the sun shone. The children played about in the fields nearby or at the beach like young calves released from the stall. We have stayed in his home many times down through the years. He is a blessing.
Kerry and Limerick are famous for the production of milk. Lush, thick grass grows all the year round to support the herds of Friesien cows. There are plenty of green pastures. It is a land flowing with milk like the Promised Land.
Back then people were in conflict in Nothern Ireland. There was pressure in the atmosphere. Everyone was under a cloud. From that year on we went for two weeks in July for holidays to Limerick, Donegal or Kerry. We enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and warm welcome wherever we travelled. We always returned to the North of Ireland refreshed.