The little Irish girl in me has always loved this day. I will confess however, I have never quite understood what getting falling down drunk with green beer had to do with the man who was a missionary to Ireland.
Having grown up in a culture ouside the United States, I am often horrified by the commercialism and depravity given to days that were meant to honor great men, or incredible events (Christmas, Valentines, Easter, etc). The older I get the more my heart understands and dwells on the sacredness of these days as they were meant to be rather than on the rabid, dash to the store for the last minute gifts, candy, eggs that they have become. Don’t get me wrong…I still love Christmas trees, hearts, flowers, chocolate, bunnies and chicks sweet tarts, and as gift giving is a love language for me – anytime I can celebrate with gift giving is a good day for me….but why does it have to be at one time of the year and the sole focus of once sacred days?
I woke up this morning with the intent to write a little note about St. Patrick, his missionary endeavors and how the clover fit into the whole thing – however, Donald Miller beat me to it with similar thoughts to what I was having….so I invite you to go on over to his blog….found here….and read it for yourself.
Happy St. Patrick’s day everyone – may you find this day to be much more than green alcohol or chocolate gold coins or little dancing men. On this day, may you find the promises of the God that Patrick served and loved to be faithful and true.
Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.
-St. Patrick