We're Off to the Emerald Isle

We're all packed up and heading for the airport with our trusty chauffeur, Kim. David and Kody arrived in Bowie at 1 pm, just enough time for a quick lunch and chance for us to visit with David before he headed back to Oklahoma. Our flight leaves at 7:00 pm and we are scheduled to arrive in Dublin at 9:30 am (4:30 am TT). 

While we are sitting on an airplane for the next many hours, I thought this would be a good time to give you a bit of the history of Ireland to read. Although it would be a futile exercise to try to condense the history of Ireland, often intensely and turbulently tied to Britain, into a few short paragraphs, it's worth making a few basic points.

First of all, the isle of Ireland is made up of two distinct jurisdictions: Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom (capital: Belfast) with a population of ~1.9 people, and uses the British Pound (GBP) currency. The Republic of Ireland is an independent sovereign nation (capital: Dublin) with ~5 million people, and uses the Euro as currency. There are many other differences: government, road signs, and even language. We will only be visiting the Republic of Ireland (hereafter referred to as Ireland).

In the distant past, Ireland was controlled by Celtic chieftains who generally accepted the authority of a High King. It was customary for chieftains to meet with the High King after travelling from various parts of Ireland. Those chieftains who passed through what ultimately became Co. Wicklow followed a traditional route known as the Wicklow Way (Sli Cualann), now known as Sli Cualann Nua (meaning a 'new' version of the old Celtic route). We will see both names, Irish and English, on the signposts along the trail. The arrival of Christian missionaries from the 5th century, most notably the Romano-British St. Patrick, is a point worth mentioning. Celtic Christianity favored secluded rural retreats, such as the Monastic City at Glendalough, (more about this when we get there). Christianity flourished in Ireland, at the same time as Christianity on the continent was suffering internal doctrinal differences and apparently endless strife with non-Christian cultures. The Vikings often targeted monasteries and churches, starting in the 8th century, and by the 9th century they dug in their heels and laid the foundations of the city of Dublin. The Vikings had very little influence or interest in the Wicklow Mountains. 

You've probably heard the phrase "beyond the pale", meaning immoral or unacceptable behavior. This phrase originated in Ireland and is particularly relevant in terms of Dublin and its relationship to the Wicklow Mountains. The 'Pale' was a rather fluid area of English control and influence that extended for some distance beyond Dublin, but ended short of the Wicklow Mountains, where Irish chieftains remained in control and the terrain (which we will be hiking through the next few days) was far too difficult for English forces to penetrate (that's a scary thought). The River Dodder, now in the suburbs of Dublin, formed the southern boundary of the 'Pale'.

The notion of walking for enjoyment in Ireland was often viewed as being rather odd, which makes me  laugh, because people think I'm rather odd for loving it so much. The citizens of Dublin were among the first to take to the Wicklow Mountains in organized walking groups, establishing youth hostels to facilitate their explorations. I mentioned, in the introductory post, how the formation of Ireland's first National Trail (The Wicklow Way) was created. All that's left now is for us to commence our journey through the Wicklow Mountains beginning in two days time. But first, we will spend a day and night in the city of Dublin. 

As I wrap up this post, I want to share a little (or maybe a lot 😁) about my moniker, "sojourner." When we think of the wilderness, we often imagine huge stretches of untouched nature—places that are beautiful but hard to live in. I think about the wilderness where Jesus spent 40 days and how Israel faced their own wilderness right after the exodus. It’s a tough spot; it only took the Israelites three days to start complaining. Honestly, I probably would’ve started grumbling in two.

You might not realize it, but you and I are living in the wilderness. The whole world is. Ever since we got kicked out of Eden, we’ve been navigating this challenging world. But the difference between Christians and non-Christians isn’t in what we go through; it’s in who we are. Non-Christians are wanderers, while Christians are pilgrims or sojourners, making our way through the wilderness toward the promised land, the new Jerusalem. The journey can feel long, and sometimes we’re like kids on a road trip, mixing up the journey with the destination. Are we there yet? We get frustrated with the bumps along the way and the waiting. Over time, this can lead us to one of two places. We might get tired of the journey and just stare out the window as life zooms by, losing the excitement we once had. Or we might lower our expectations and think, "This is all there is." We convince ourselves that gas station snacks are enough and that sore legs are just part of life.

But there’s another way—the way of Jesus. His whole life was a pilgrimage, from being tempted in the wilderness to dying on the cross. Along the way, He walked dusty roads, gathering followers who didn’t always know where they were headed. Same wilderness, different identity: sojourners—followers of Jesus Christ.

Following Jesus doesn’t take us out of the wilderness. But if we journey with Him, we gain His strength, His peace, and His destination. The real question isn’t whether we’re in the wilderness; it’s if we understand what kind of journey we’re on. Life tries to convince us to ignore the wilderness, to wear rose-colored glasses and pretend that struggles are unusual. But the Bible tells a different story. Life is tough. The Christian life is tough. But Christ overcame the wilderness, and He’ll bring His people safely home. "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." (John 14:3).

I’m a sojourner. This world isn’t my home; I’m just passing through. "But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body." (Philippians 3:20) So, as Hebrews 12:12 says, "Therefore lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees," that we may journey through the wilderness with Him.