The Irish, since the times of the ancient Celts of that green land, have cherished the idea of ‘thin spots’ - believing, that though the Almighty is always near, there are times and places when that is even more so. Scripture knows of such places, like a desert place where a bush burned but was not consumed, an overnight rest-stop called Bethel, and so on.

Not long ago, I was visiting the places of my Irish roots, one of which is in County Wicklow near the lovely village of Tinahely. Nearby is Tomnafinnoge Wood where a lovely stream meanders through the quiet dale. The woods were once famed for their fruit - the ancient oaks from which were built King’s College Chapel, Cambridge and Westminster’s Parliament.

It’s an April day, and I walk quietly, savouring the stillness, the aloneness, the sound of murmuring stream and insistent birds. And I am aware of a Presence, of the nearness of One who loves, cares and provides - for all my needs.

The ancient Psalm floods my mind and in this beautiful place the sights and sounds, and words from the ancient Book calm, restore and direct me.

May these images, these words, touch your life - God with you in these moments, as was my experience that April day.