Reflections on Life After Our Tiree Holiday

It seems no time at all since the end of April, when we were on holiday in the beautiful island of Tiree off the west coast of Scotland. Soon we were out and about on our various trips to many of our favourite picnic haunts, in some glorious Spring weather.

Now looking back I reflect on all that has happened since, which has caused us to re-evaluate our new circumstances and to ponder on how quick life can change. Before I expand on that let me share some photographs of our adventures in Springtime.

Yes we had an amazing holiday in Tiree, the weather was cool but beautifully sunny almost every day.  We enjoyed slowly driving around the island and walking on the white sandy beaches and taking in the breathtaking beauty which surrounded us. It was the lambing season and signs of new life were everywhere, in the flowers, birds and young lambs and calves.  Here are some photos, first showing our journey by car from Glasgow to Oban.

We had a night’s bed and breakfast in Oban and next morning caught the early morning ferry to Tiree via the Isle of Coll.

A week’s stay in Tiree was as usual a week of peace and tranquility, and somehow we always manage to enjoy many sunny days. Yes it was April, with still a cold wind so you need to dress appropriately. Too many photos to show, but here are some of this years favourites.

The following weekend was the May Spring  holiday here in Scotland, and we had been kindly given some vouchers for sailing on the ‘Sir Walter Scott Steamship’  on  Loch Katrine in the Trossachs area, within the National Park.  We awakened to a beautiful morning with cloudless blue sky, and soon made our way across the Duke’s Pass to Loch Katrine. I am sure you will never get a better day than that day. The weather was absolutely glorious, this is a day trip highly recommended..

The following day was not so exciting as after our Tiree week and our sail on Loch Katrine, I had to catch up with all the mail that had accumulated during our absence, so it was the day of sitting at the computer. That night at around 3am I had a stroke and was hospitalised for nine nights.

Thankfully I am well on the way to recovery, and again, thankfully my speech and mind were not affected; mostly my left arm and leg which are now functioning well, so I am hopefull that I can make a full recovery.

However, some things that come your way in life, bring you up with start. I had often been told that I was very fit for my age, and after my holiday and trip to Loch Katrine I certainly was feeling very well. Then as I lay in bed in hospital I was reminding myself of the verse in the book of Proverbs that says ‘Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.’ Prov. 27:1. whew, how true! All these summer plans were now on hold.

I have had many encouragements from family and friends near and far, in the way of visits, text-messages, cards, flowers, food and fruit juice, and even someone arriving at our door to help in the garden. So if you are one of those who are reading this, let me say a huge THANK YOU!

As a Christian I am truly appreciative for the many prayers spoken from my local Church family, and indeed from so many others around the world to our God and Father on my behalf. I believe that the progress made to date is in many ways an answer to them. I’m also thankful for the many Bible thoughts and verses sent and spoken to me, they are such an encouragement. Here’s just one:- ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’ Rom.15:13

Yes, truly this is our sure hope in Jesus Christ and what he has promised to those who trust in Him, whether in life or death. I said to someone recently who had kindly wished me ‘all the best’ – thank you, but whatever happens, the best is yet to be‘- this is the Christian hope.

My stroke certainly got me thinking, and perhaps has got YOU thinking too? As I write news has just come in of 21 people involved in a balloon disaster in Brazil, first reports of 13 killed. The recent ‘AIR India’ disaster saw just one survivor out of 242 people on board. HOW SAD. It’s good to be ready don’t you think? Here’s a song that is special to me – have a listen

Matthew

PS: There has been much criticism of the NHS. Next time I would like to tell you of my experience.