I’m just after spending a very refreshing four night short break in the Isle of Man. The main reason I planned the trip was to run The Isle of Man Half Marathon, a competitor friendly event that has been voted in the popular ‘Runners’ World’ magazine as one of the top ten races in the United Kingdom.
The course for the half marathon takes competitors from Ramsey Promenade to Bride, the island’s most northerly village, and onwards to Andreas and St Jude’s before returning to Ramsey. The route follows the same circuit as the marathon, which is just under 13.25 miles, and includes a significant and challenging hill to the high point of 259 feet approaching the 4 mile mark.
This was my second time to visit this 30 mile long island nestled in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. It’s a lovely place that I’m getting to like more and more for its relaxed pace of life, the friendliness of the people, the beautiful scenery, historic railways, sheltered harbours and sweeping stretches of long sandy beaches.
If I could use one word to describe my time in the Isle of Man, it would be ‘renewing’. I found it invigorating to spend most of my time outdoors:- walking, travelling the historic steam and electric railways, sightseeing, and relaxing by the sea. There is something to explore in every corner of the island and the hospitality and welcome was second to none.
I cherish my time of holidays. Going away gives me the time and space I need for rest and reflection, and to clear my mind of the worries and anxieties that I’m sometimes preoccupied with. Relaxing in nature and observing the natural environment I find calming, and it reminds me of the presence of God in all things. Having a positive distraction such as a meaningful book to read passes the time fruitfully.
In the Isle of Man I also had some time to reflect and pray. One of the Bible verses which I had reason to ponder on was the following short extract from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Thessalonians:- “Always be joyful; pray constantly; and for all things give thanks; this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
I recalled many instances of being joyful with an attitude of thanksgiving to God during good times in my life; such as the blessing of spending a year in the eternal city of Rome. However, I could also remember that during more difficult times, such as disappointment, uncertainty and mental health challenges, that I found it more challenging to be joyful and to be in gratitude to God.
This scripture challenged me to give thanks to God for all the circumstances of my life:- the joys and the struggles. I reflected once more how life is so short and I’ve so much to be grateful for. It also prompted me to look back on the difficult times in my journey in a more positive light, cognisant of how those times too have been grace-filled and have helped me to be ‘me’ – the person I am proud to be!
I was particularly struck by the peace of Port Erin and it prompted me to make a short video reflection about how my experience in the Isle of Man was so nourishing and renewing, pondering on the invitation of Jesus ‘Come away to some lonely place all by yourselves and rest for a while’ (Mark 6:31).
