Dear Friends,

Who would have thought Iceland could have such an affect on us over these past months?  Not only did their banking system have a profound adverse impact on our economy, but in past days a volcano, with an unpronounceable name has brought so much of life and commerce to a halt.

We were in Scotland for a wedding when it all 'blew up'; feeling more than a little self-satisfied at having come by ferry and car.  Other guests were not so fortunate but tales of perseverance soon began to emerge.  Not least of 'Aunt' Esme, a lady in her early eighties who, when her flight was cancelled, set off absolutely determined not to miss the occasion. 

Having got a taxi to the railway station in Dublin she came north by train only to be thwarted by a bomb scare at Lisburn but, undeterred, took another taxi to Larne where she joined the ferry to Troon. 

There she met up with a couple also going to the wedding and hitched a lift to Pitlochry!  Wonderful!

But whilst most people found their way eventually, for a while there was a very clear sense that not everything was within our control and that against the forces of nature we are puny indeed.  Or as a psalmist once said:

'When I consider your heavens the work of your fingers,
what is man that you are mindful of him?'

The volcano was the only thing that pushed the forthcoming election into second place, even the great debate.  It also made me a little bit more realistic about what it is those we elect can actually achieve.  So much is beyond their power to alter, no matter how much they promise us; economic forces have a momentum of their own.  We are apt to be cynical about our politicians (and they have given us much to be cynical about) but, nevertheless, they deserve our support and prayers so that, when the dust settles, they may have the courage to make difficult decisions to lead us into a more prosperous and secure future.

With best wishes,
Ronnie