On Retreat by Nigel Oakley

How to describe the past two weeks? Almost, but not quite, laid up with the worst cold I’ve had for years. Normally in recent years, a cold would hold me back at night (when tablets would need to be swallowed so I could sleep in comfort), but during the day, apart from making sure there were plenty of tissues to hand, I’d be carrying on with whatever schedule my day held. This time, I was forced into drastic measures: a visit to the local Spar shop for daytime cold remedies (16 tablets). A whole box of tissues had been used up by my frantic nose-blowing, so a new box had to be bought. The two items came to a grand total of £11 – I held my bank card to the machine without a murmur.

Before those of you used to cheaper products say (or write) anything, I will point out I was on Iona. Supposed to be on retreat – concentrating on ‘higher things.’ Now I am on my last full day as I write this, I am feeling (and sounding, I’m told) better. The weather is even improving in that we’ve gone most of a whole day without relentless rain, driving hail, or sideways-on sleet. The wind had not let up though – my ferry journey across to the mainland tomorrow morning is not guaranteed. So, we’ll see if I get home on time ...

Part of the reason for coming here was to write. Of course, I’ve not written as much as I’d hoped, but some words have been typed – and some of those have even been retained. I also came here to ponder my faith. I am not used to starting the day with Holy Communion (before breakfast even!) but I have relished ending each day with Compline. I was fit enough to take part on the Good Friday Stations of the Cross – though we did get thoroughly soaked and I had to make sure I got back inside to get dry and warm as soon as it was over. For me, seeing the empty cross, outside St Oran’s Chapel, deserted and alone as we all left, reminded me of the searing abandonment of Christ by his followers on that dreadful day.

Of course, with this blessed cold, I’ve been spending time in quiet contemplation on my bed – translation: there have been morning and afternoon naps – but I have also had time to think. Not every thought was spiritual, not every prayer for others; but coming away has helped me slow down, to try to work out where my next writing projects might go, and enabled me to appreciate Easter away from the chocolate eggs and the consumer rush. We can’t all physically get away from our packed lives, but sometimes, taking a breath, pausing to think about what really matters: helps.

Nigel Oakley

 

Nigel was originally a Shropshire lad, being born and raised in Shrewsbury. His teaching career took him from the south-west of England to Teesside via Botswana, Africa. He has also served as World Development Officer for the Diocese of Durham for five years. Now settled back in the West Midlands, he spends his time writing novels, short stories, and other pieces – as well as sorting his house out!

His website is www.nigeloakleywrites.com