It was a warm sunny morning, when we got ready to go fishing with my grandpa at one of the rivers in Goa. I was about 9 years old.
Rods and bait at hand we accompanied him across the fields of Guirim .
I attached the bait of a fresh shrimp to my hook and cast the line into the river .
Then I felt a tug, and was quite happy. Slowly I pulled the line up with my rod and ‘voila!’ The bait had gone and ‘no fish’ .
Again I followed the routine of attaching bait and casting for another fish, with the same result .
By this time my grandpa had caught a couple of fish .
I asked him, “How is it you are able to catch them so easily ?”
“ Vincent, you need to be quick to pull out your rod when you get a sufficient tug and hook the fish up to pull out .”
That was easier said than done .
After some more tries. I caught, first an eel and then a crab .
That was very frustrating. My brother in the meanwhile lost his patience and began hitting the surface of water .
“ Stop it,” softly and sternly cautioned my grandpa ,” You will frighten the fish away .
Subsequently we moved sufficient spaces away along the river to continue fishing .
I was finally rewarded with a catch of a 3” fish called ‘thope’.
Our neighbour, Karidhar, with ease, kept on catching one fish after another from the same river. What a man ! I wondered.
Today I am a keen aquarist. With observation and interest, I have followed their breeding habits and even helped to rear them and increase their numbers. At different times, I have had Siamese fighters, angel fish, blue gouramis, neon tetras, guppies, discus fish, widow tetras and black mollies.
My aquarium today
Have you heard of the Master calling out to Simon, and James and John to follow him. He told them ‘Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’ ( Mark 1:14-20)
They left their nets to follow Jesus .
They were content catching fish, but Jesus called them to change lives of others.
So they subsequently learnt to share the Good News of Jesus : ‘ God loves you.’
This is a ‘Family House of Prayer’ located at Dalmally , which is a train ride of 2 hrs 20 minutes, from Glasgow Queen Street.
It began as a Hunter’s Lodge which hosted hunters for deer.
Now it’s a house for prayer and quiet retreats …youth initiatives for mission …family holidays with plans for their activities. The Eucharist is celebrated daily by a priest who stays at the the Lodge.
The train to Dalmally was a nice peaceful journey. My wife Anjean and I took a cup of coffee at the station and boarded the train at 9.40am . Along with the coffee we had a sausage roll and the train sped along to Dalmally .
Exactly at 12.59 pm it reached our destination. We had requested for a pickup from the station , but due to a mixup, my message on email was overlooked . So started our walk for about 3 miles with our bags . This was a good preparation for our retreat. Thanks to the Lord and the use of Google we found our way . While trudging along we experienced spells of drizzle . The walk took us through the road with forests on either side as we left the motorways. We passed the River Orchy and a church . Soon the road diverged onto the road to Craig Lodge. I think we would have been exhausted , but our time at the discipline of the gym had kept us fit .
We were relieved to see the signboard , directing us to Craig Cottage . It is more than a Lodge ; rather a quaint hotel .
We were about to enter the place when a car drove by us . Rory was quite apologetic.” , I’m very sorry about this .” He had driven to the station much after we left. The walk had taken us about an hour after waiting at the station.
Ruth received us at the entrance. She too was extremely sorry and gave us a warm welcome and showed us to our room . It was a comfortable double bedroom with attached bath . The room was named St Elizabeth . Strangely the lady who prepared our room was also Elizabeth . Some of the persons were voluteeers .
Our room had a rustic look to match a Country House Hotel . The proprietor Calum Macfarlane-Barrow had hosted hunters from various countries who came there to hunt for deer in the earlier years.
This place has now been changed into a House of Prayer after Calum and his wife Mary Ann had a profound experience at Medgegorje . Calum himself was a hunter and an artist too . He is an outdoor person has interests in fishing , mountaineering and strangely fond of building sheds .
One of these sheds previously a play area for his children was then gifted to his son Magnus who used it for storing gifts to aid the war victims in Bosnia/Herzegovina. Magnus set up Scottish International Relief, a charity that became Mary’s Meals. He began aiding deprived school children in Malavi , Romania and other countries with a nutritious meal daily encouraging them to attend school. Thus began the well known ‘Mary’s Meals’. Global support followed from 4 continents through fund raising and awareness raising groups . (www.marysmeals.org)
Calum’s children Ruth, Magnus and Fergus, earlier had a life changing experience at Medjugorje, and got involved in giving Aid to war torn Bosnia -Herzegovina. Many guests at Craig’s Lodge spread awareness of their work . This team gradually expanded with more people involved .
Ruth is now more involved in the running of Craig’s Lodge.
When we talk about hospitality, I am at a loss for words. The team here is outstanding. They not only provide hospitality but a place of prayer and formation for young people who spend 6 to 9 months to train as missionaries. Ruth and Denise served us meals, with such love . Rory cooked up some amazing dishes …. Apple Stroodle pie , with Icecream , salads , Fish in white sauce, Cabbage Salad n chocolate cake with fresh cream , Pasta Bolognaise .
A thick homemade soup with Bloomer bread was an adequate lunch .
Calum , Fr Frank and myself
We had always wanted to make a quiet retreat and spend time praying in the Chapel . We were happy to discover Craig Cottage by word of mouth .
From left to right : Calum, Anjean, Denise, Fr Frank , Mary Ann , Elizabeth
Along with our quiet time we hoped to walk outdoors .
A rainbow to make a wish
This was an experience to remember . The scenery was breathtaking with mountains, forests , sheep grazing and so many birds , even rabbits and the red squirrels was like a grand work of art by our Creator ,
Calum devised a route up the 1000 ft mountain with the stations of the cross , to help one experience the passion of Jesus while trekking up . Denise cautioned me “ Let me know when you plan to do this .” And rightly so , as it is quite a torturous route .
A drawing by Calum depicting his trek up the hill The Cross at Medjugorje and a newspaper cutting of the replica cross installation at the top
Callum was inspired to prepare this ‘Way of the Cross’ on the lines of the one at Medjugorje. My wife Anjean agreed to join me on this trek . As we climbed up at every Station we stopped to pray . Callum kept a white plaque depicting the specific station along the path like Jesus’ walk with his cross to Calvary .
A plaque of one of the stations of the cross
The higher we went , breathing became difficult. The scenery around was beautiful. Twice we crossed river streams . We went focussed on following the path . Somehow we reached the seventh station . Thereafter we lost our way . We were afraid as the slope was slippery . Anjean had difficulty walking . Her knees began troubling her . I felt a bit guilty for convincing her to join me on this trek . So we abandoned the trek onwards and returned carefully . The part down turned out to be easier and faster ,
I was told that at the top of the mountain , Calum installed the Cross . Near it is an alcove in the rocks and one can pray within it .
Ruth receiving the group
Our retreat ended at Craig Cottage on the third day , with a time of Praise and Worship in the Chapel . A big group of several families with children were expected the next day. The evening before we left an American group arrived on horseback .
We counted ourselves fortunate to get a booking at this time. Denise kindly drove us to Dalmally station for our return back to Glasgow .
I hope to come again for the peace and quiet here with the richness of nature around .
I see sparrows , robins and pigeons visiting my feeder . I replenish the food when it gets empty .
The sparrows are quite aggressive towards the robins . The sparrow does not allow the robin near while feeding and forces the robin to fly away .
The pigeon by virtue of its size, does not bother about this . It feeds well and can consume all the grain if left in a tray .
I wonder what happens if I do not replenish the feeder.
The birds may go to the neighbour’s feeder. However it is possible that feeder is empty .
So where do these birds go and who feeds them ?
Look at the birds of the air; they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? (Matthew 6: 26)
Do you worry about your needs of finance to pay bills and buy provisions for food on the table ?
“Strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring worries of its own. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”(Matthew 6:33,34)
The Lord is a great ‘Provider’ . Trust him with all your heart and he will never fail .
“Do you realise winter is approaching? We need to stock up our food reserves .” says Fluffy.
“ I think we can manage for the week Fluffy .”
“ Just think. will that last for the long winter months ?” asks Fluffy
“You have a point there , but where will we store our reserves ? “ enquires Duffy .
“Simple ! ! We hide them at different locations in the garden and the bark of trees.” answers Fluffy .
“Another concern is the scarcity of our food type ; buds , fruit and nuts will not be easily seen in the winter days .” worries Duffy .
“Oh Duffy , do you see the bird feeder this human family keeps replenishing ? Let’s try getting some of that . “
“ Listen Fluffy, that feeder can be difficult to reach . It’s meant for birds only .”
“ That’s no problem .I’ll show you the way. You remain on the ground below the feeder .”
So Fluffy went to the top of the wooden frame and accessed the feeder by descending downwards . He began feeding on the bird food . Duffy waited below for any feed dropping on the floor.
“Listen Fluffy. I have an idea. Chew onto the string holding the feeder and let the feeder fall . Then we can have a feast .”
Fluffy chewed the string and down came the feeder. They both enjoyed the feed .
Now what happened next is interesting .
The family took time to restore the feeder to its original position and thus ended the squirrels adventure.
Fluffy and Duffy resumed their search for food in berries , flower buds , and nuts.
They both realised that it’s always good to
‘Save for the times when there may be scarcity .’ ( the saying commonly used – save for a rainy day or the wintry days ! )
The bird feeder provided food for that day , and depended on the compassion of the human family to restore and replenish it.
The trees beckon me as I walk pass them . I noticed one tree with leaves well marked and serrations at its edges . I picked one and walked further . How about the new leaves , I thought ,which looked appealing . I returned to pluck the little fresh leaves and walked home .
Aging of life struck me . Just as man ages so does all life . However the life lived is important. Have you noticed the old leaf has a few tears , may be due to the weather . It has good markings and well shaped . Of the Young leaves , one looks good while the other has tears.
Environment has an impact on the life of the tree and its leaves . How does the tree adjust to the strong winds , heat and even polluted atmosphere? There will be some wear and tear when it is exposed to such weather. Good rains and a good environment will help the growth of this tree .
In mankind, our lives get affected by our surroundings and our adaptation to them. Whether young or old , how one lives is important.
Do I live a life of moderation or one in the fast lane ? I am sure you will know the effect of either .
Wear and tear can occur at any time, irrespective of age . The day we are born , one begins to age ….however one can live a full life with grace from God. Facing the challenges of life become easier.
In autumn, leaves begin to change colour . There is beauty even when a leaf ages . It’s colour can be very attractive.
Inner beauty gets reflected on the outside in a person , no matter the age.
Jesus helps to live a full life .
He says ‘ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy I have come so that they may have life and have it to the full.’ (John 10:10)
My grandson does not believe in a walk . For him it’s more a frolic and a jump into any puddle.
“Daniel, you’ll get wet “ I tell him .
He smiles and looks for the next one .
“Grandpa, look, I’m only a little wet”
But when you see him, the wetness is more than you can imagine .
However Karen is patience personified. She happens to be my daughter and Daniel’s mother.
We walked for about 45 minutes As a senior citizen I tried a bit of slow running . The cold air of Clarkston was refreshing but biting through the 3 layers of coats.
Seeing Daniel tag along and jumping into the puddles left me wondering. From where did he get that energy and adaptation to the cold weather (3*)
Daniel’s fun ends with fatigue setting in after about 30 minutes, and he cries out “Mummy carry me.” I’m amazed at how Karen can carry him the rest of the walk as he is quite heavy.
We are in the midst of the pandemic.
But the walk with social distancing keeps us in good health.
For Daniel …..the puddles and frolic are the escapades from the routine at home.
This little blog was written during the winter in Scotland
It takes a lot of patience and minute perception to see and then take it forward .
I was not too interested in details : It’s only when doing sugar craft flowers that this aspect became important .
Each flower has so much to see and carve. Just imagine how God has created so much beauty and variety . Just visit the hills in summer and see the wild flowers . I won’t even know the various names , to the extent of the range of diversity .
Artists are good at perception . They look at details around them in nature and human beings too . They can bring out the character of a person so well . Every detail of expression of the face is brought out in the drawing or painting .
Authors do this in words which give a picture in the mind of the reader, when more details are described.
The more gifted the author , the more is the ability to capture a person’s characteristics in words . The reader can visualise and imagine the person being described. This can even permeate into the dialogue and various ways of the person’s speech.
Finally a word of how the eyes and face reveal a lot in real life … what is innermost in a person . The good within exudes a beauty of the individual which one sees . The opposite too happens when a person carries hatred and revenge.
‘ More than all else, keep watch over your heart, since here are the wellsprings of life. (Proverbs 4:23)
At first I saw only Mr Robin . He was quick as if on a mission . He proudly displayed his red chest. With short flights he flew first to the fence ; looked around and then descended onto the lawn .
“ Wait a while my dear , I will get a few leaves for our nest. “
“Yes ” replied Mrs Robin “ Yes indeed , with the winter gone , we need to hurry. “As she sat on the opposite fence below a bush all puffed up . They were soon to start their little family .
That’s the time a shot rang out . Mr Robin disappeared to safety .
There was silence for sometime. Mrs Robin seemed unconcerned on her perch amidst the bush over the fence .
Again Mr Robin flew down into the grass caught a another leaf in its beak , just in time as the second shot sounded .
This time his partner too flew off and he followed .
What were these shots …. would anyone try shooting robins ?
…….after all even the click of a camera will be loud enough for robins to fly away . Do you think they will return tomorrow ?
“Say Saffy , why don’t we play a game.” Suggests Daffy as he and Saffy perch on the nearby parapet.
“Are you ok ? To think of playing games when all these humans are so stressed about some virus.”
“Any way tell me what do you have in mind” Saffy looks with enquiring eyes.
“ Well have you ever thought of how tḥe wind blows?”
“Daffy , I don’t understand what game this is? Please be simple and clear.”
“ See, Saffy , when we fly, which is easier ; with the wind or against it ? “
“Obviously with the wind is easier.”
“Ok then , lets fly around the world , and see whether we reach this place agaiṇ.”
“ We can both go together , with the wind. “
Thus started ān adventure by these two pigeons . What is in Daffy’s mind ?
They both realized that as they flew, there was a lot to observe. The entire environment had changed. The skies were clear. Forests reappeared. The rivers flowed with pure water.
“Have you any idea whether there is still a hole in the sky?” asked Saffy.
“ I don’t understand such things , Saffy, but I do know that flyiṇg in the sky is less stressful and a real pleasure.”
The two friends continued ,their journey. They saw new developments …. not the Crane and Construction work. No in the various trees, nest building began with great fervour.
“Daffy , when do you plan to settle down ? “
“Hey Saffy , please don’t speak about settling down. Just see what the smart humans have done with their ‘settling’ and ‘developing’ “
“ I’m surprised that these people can stay in one place and quieten down. Why could they not do this earlier? Their incessant desire to be on the move, certainly caused changes, harmful to us. “
Thus Daffy and Saffy flew along , chatting all the time.
As they flew together ,they encountered many other birds. The various calls and flurry of feathers, seemed to be a celebration of life. Clouds floated serenely against blue skies .
“ Hey Daffy, just look below. Is this the new earth? “
“ What do you mean ‘new’ earth; it was always meant to be like this, until all the new ideas of man changed everything for the worse. “
“ And Daffy,these same humans , want to spread their ‘wings’ to the moon and beyond.”
“ You better not talk too much , Saffy, nowadays , we are being watched closely.”
The two pigeons soon realized that their dream of flying around the world , would not materialize.
The direction of winds changed and they thought it best to return to old nesting places.
There is a saying that birds of a feather flock together. Dear reader, when you see the two pigeons of differing color and breed, does it surprise you ?
They have one tale to share, inspite of differing tails. . Where are we with our differences. Do exteriors matter?
Do the hearts that beat in man , differ ? Can the same heart love and hate at the same time?
Tell me what gives life? The choice remains….can I love or hate?
viewvin 