What's on the Other Side?

I was driving over a very sharp hill in Newcastle Lyons last week where it is not possible to see what is on the other side of the hill until at a point of driving down on the other side. An automatic courtesy of hooting of car horns exists for drivers who are familiar with the hill/bridge concerned, so that the first to hoot drives over the top - slowly, unless one wishes to lose the front of one's car! Change of mind having reached the top is not a safe option, so letting go and moving to the other side must happen.

The image of the hill/bridge brings me to the subject of threshold moments which are in abundance at this time of the year. This is the time of year when families have many celebrations to juggle, many career/course/school choices in consideration, many retirements and taking up of new posts are actively in play. Letting go and embracing the new are active dynamics for individuals, families and communities after the hooting proclaiming the impending move to another point is heard and felt.

Letting go by the individual concerned, of parents, families, communities of beloved people is often difficult as a gap is formed and some fear of the hurt of the wrench of the move away from the fabric of belonging. Taking the decided move over the hill/bridge into the new space can be exciting and frightening all at once. With the Lyons bridge, one must go over the top to the other side, before ever considering a return - but a return would bring back a person with a different knowledge and experience.

The journey of the one that didn't hoot to indicate that they are moving out of the space is necessary to make space for the new arrival, so that letting go in turn on all sides makes for the healthiest way of dealing with changing spaces. As we are all created with different personalities, we need to be patient and accepting of one another as some run eagerly into change and others freeze on the threshold or freeze watching someone on the threshold! We'll all get there, but not necessarily at the same time!

This is certainly a time of the year when energy is low for many, so that rest, fun, comfort and supporting friendship is needed, particularly if involved in some part of the cycle of significant change. Every good wish to all who are involved in the cycle of change this month or summer!

Cathy Burke
Catechist in the Lucan Partnership of Parishes

Acknowledging error in last week's front page

I referred to Hamas with regard to infants deprived of nutrition as a result of blockage of transportation of goods and aid, when the reference re place should have been Palestine/Gaza. Also, it is important to acknowledge that innocent infants/children/families of many nationalities, faiths and cultures are falling victim to the horrendous catastrophe occurring before our eyes.

Cathy Burke