Still Standing - The Forever Wall

I’m in Ireland this week and staying near Castlebar, the capital town of County Mayo.  It’s a unique environment which combines commercialism and farm land just three miles from the center of town. 

I’ve visited this area for almost 25 years whether I’m here on business or vacation.  And, I usually take a walk on the Cottage Road.  Cottage Road meanders through new housing developments and fields where local farmers graze their cattle and sheep.  Tractors, land rovers, motorcycles, bicycles, and committed walkers use the road throughout the day. 

Along the route there are several old sections of land with derelict houses probably built in the 1800s and abandoned many years ago.  For 25 years, I’ve walked past one such structure whose walls except for one have fallen.  Ironically, that one gable wall is completely intact. 

This area is affected by rugged weather and high winds several times a year.  But through it all the wall still stands.  

Built from granite stones, it looks as strong and clean as it might have over 100 years ago. Situated in a small-enclosed field, the wall is surrounded by tree trunks resting on their sides and thorny vines that wrap themselves around wild gorse shrub.  I imagine it would probably be difficult to get through the bramble to the wall. 

So my reflection questions this week are:

• Where/Who/What is your gable wall? 
• Where do you get your strength in turbulent times? 
• Have you taken the time to build your foundation? 
• What do you do to reinforce your foundation so that when situations and events arise you’re able to make the right decisions and stand firm when necessary? 

Til next time,

Dr. M.