"Thanks be to God"

I drove down to Westport alone on friday !!! not something that I am in the habit of doing. Sometimes I feel like a protected species I am minded that well. But since I am going to Spain for over a month I think it is time that I cut the cord so to speak.
I met some friends there and had dinner at the Helm on Westport Quay. I had the turbot. It was so good. I can not go to a restaurant by the sea and not have fish after coming from the only land locked county in Ireland.
Waking up on Saturday morning to the sound of rain was not the best feeling I ever had I can tell you. A long day ahead through wet fields, bogs, woodland and country lanes that eventually lead to Croagh Patrick with the rain beating off ones back is noting to smile or be thankful about you would think. Well that is unless one starts at Ballintubber Abbey with a pep talk from Father Fahey. These were his guidelines


Penance - No complaining. Instead say "Thanks be to God"


Community - Include 'the stranger' in your group - No 'Cliques'


Faith - Light Candle as symbol of your faith before setting out.


Mystery - Silence observed at certain designated parts of Tóchar.


Celebration - Share your Food, your Joy, your Love and your Care

Fair enough you might think, but how to say thanks be to God when the rain is running down the back of your neck and your brand new Merril Siern Breeze waterproof and breathable boots are soaking up the water like it is going out of fashion is a small bit beyond my capabilities I thought. Well say it I did and laughed as I said it. This was to be the habit of the day and when I fell on my bum into the wet and muck with my lovely Lowe Alpine bright red Jacket (have I mentioned that I am a gear freak) to the chorus of my companions "Thanks be to God" it suddenly dawned on me that this little mantra was lifting the mood of everyone. It was an amazing day with lots of rain wind and smiling faces.
It took nearly ten hours and a hard climb up the back of the reek.

I thought about our mantra as I lay in bed that night. You know if you think about it when you complain it brings your mood down along with the mood of those who have to listen to you. Being thankful is so much nicer and brings a smile to everyones face. Try it for a day, go on I dare you