Journeying | Pilgrimage Holidays | Christian Walking Holidays | Christian Short Breaks

Journeying counts several writers and artists among both guests and leaders. Janet Wilkes has travelled as a guest on a number of occasions. Her most recent poem, The Table, is printed here. Janet has also published a book, After The Blossom, a memoir, that includes her working life in London and Christian journey. We will feature the book in a later blog. The Table By Janet Wilkes A woman filled with gratitude this morning put her tea-tray on the table. Outside - barely visible - was the garden she'd created. The flowers had gone but there were still green leaves. "I'm alive" she thought "and grateful for all of this." She sipped her tea and, as the morning air drew back the curtains of the night, she became…

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During an autumn holiday on the Island of Iona, Sister Agnes felt a calling from God to bring the religious life back to the Scottish Islands. Back in her Convent in Devon it was to be seven years (to the day) since setting foot on Iona, that Sister Agnes arrived on the remote Shetland Island of Fetlar... That same call came again. On this occasion, however, God seemed to say to her, 'You may answer yes, or you may answer no. It's your choice, though if you answer no, it will be the end of your vocation as it is meant to be, and I shall ask you no more.' Sister Agnes said, Yes! The story of the years leading up to…

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My attention Instantly grabbed by the title, I was further delighted to find the text wonderfully light and very readable - just right for warm spring days in the 'lockdown' garden! The book moves effortlessly from one facet of walking to another - pilgrimage, the significance of the Emmaus walk, labyrinths and so on - carrying the reader on a journey that draws you towards the next page. Along the way there are some fascinating observations, some more unexpected than others - I was amazed to learn hip operations can be undertaken with the patient fully conscious and with the expectation that the patient is up and starting to be mobile later that day or early the next! Walking with our…

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As we all look forward to the end of the lockdown period thoughts turn to what the future might look like particularly when access to the countryside is so important. When it is safe we are keen to see all the paths that were closed re-open to walkers. Journeying leader, Christine Smith, has been taking a closer look and there are some concerns that not all paths will re-open even when the lockdown fully ends. In the article below she identifies which organisations in the UK are responsible for different types of paths and who we can speak to if we want to ensure access returns when restrictions have finally been lifted: "In the British countryside, we are living through unprecedented…

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At the end of a perfect day give thanks. For the warmth of the sun and the sound of The sea-shells shifting as each wave recedes Before another line of white spume is Lifted and dispersed 'long the cobbled beach. For harbour smells of lobster pots mingling With the tang each tide's seaweed brings from the Ocean, candy floss and ice cream parlours. For the spectacle of seagulls swooping To snatch food from the laps of astonished Visitors who, when their coaches leave, will Always say "It's been a wonderful day." So, as you go give thanks to God - give thanks - At the end of a perfect day - give thanks.

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Beyond the wild wet wastead's thicket There was a garden, a river, flowers, grasses and fruit trees and a young Couple who took wing and flew away, Now, we need gardens more than ever To reflect, relax and recover, To return to paradise and to Be alone in Eden - to be home To think about our journeying and What caused the sudden expulsion from All we knew and about our returning to the old familiar place. Was it youth or ignorance or pride That led us, when young, so far away? Or were we just misadvised before We were wafted on sultry air to Hard places where God showed us what life Is like for many people - hungry, Dispossessed and alone - beyond the Eastern cherubim that guards Eden? Beyond that wild wet wasteland's thicket There…

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Here on earth Lord you carried a cross on which the whole world's sins were laid, but, in sight of Calvary you fell beneath the load on the dusty ground and Roman soldiers, having a job to do, seized a pilgrim and, in front of his sons, forced him to shoulder the cross and walk with you through noisy streets of frolicking festival goers leering, jeering and shouting insults as you walked the final mile. He didn't know you Lord but what he was doing for "the least of these my brethren", he did for you! (Janet has travelled on many Journeying adventures and has also served as a volunteer on Iona, with the Iona Community).

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As you will know from my previous blog my husband and I live in Almeria, Spain and as I write we have been told that the lockdown period to prevent the spread of coronavirus has been extended to the end of April. We are lucky enough to have a garden but others who live in apartments only have a balcony, which is very difficult for them as in Spain we are not allowed out for exercise as in the UK. However, if you have a dog you are allowed to walk it each day and luckily we have two, so we are a lot better off than some others. What I have noticed most when walking around the rural area in…

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