See Amid The Winter Snow

For the first time in my sixteen years on Holy Island heavy snow has cut off roads in November. Buses and events are cancelled. Our Retreat House expected a full house for the Advent Retreat, entitled 'Make Space for Something to Happen'. Half the UK retreatants cancelled. However, one from Norway arrived a day early. Another from Norway is at Copenhagen, waiting for Edinburgh Airport to get clearance before flying in for the last half of the retreat. Who do these Norwegians remind me of? The people Jesus referred to in a parable who, if they knew that a priceless jewel was hidden in a field, would do whatever it takes to get to that place.

In the world's longest running play, Agathie Christie's 'The Mousetrap' in London, everyone is trapped in a snowbound hotel. Something dramatic happens. Holy Island today reminds me of that play. The something dramatic is not murder, as in 'The Mousetrap', unless it be the killing of a false self; it is an encounter with the 'God of Surprises'. The plot changes from now on. Watch this space.