Beannachtai Na Féile Pádraig

I have to confess—this St. Pat’s has been a bit difficult for me this year—a bit nostalgic and melancholy. Normally this time of year is very busy—our dancers would be dashing around dancing at St. Patrick’s Day shows, dinners and weddings—but this year, nothing, due to the closure of the studio. Today reminds me that I miss our students, the dancing, my friends and the excitement of this time of year for Irish dancers. But then, all the green and Irish decorations remind me how I am looking forward to seeing Ireland again in December, and marrying my beloved there. So it is bittersweet for me. So on this day in honor of St. Patrick, I thought I'd share this lovely prayer from St. Patrick himself, which never fails to bring me
back to center.

St. Patrick's Breastplate

Christ ever with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me
Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me
Christ to my right side, Christ to my left side
Christ in his breadth, Christ in his length, Christ in depth
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks to me
Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me

May the Strength of God guide us.
May the Power of God preserve us.
May the Wisdom of God instruct us.
May the Hand of God protect us.
May the Way of God direct us.
May the Shield of God defend us.
May the Angels of God guard us.
Against the snares of the evil one.

May Christ be with us!
May Christ be before us!
May Christ be in us,
Christ be over all!

May Thy Grace, Lord,
Always be ours,
This day, O Lord, and forevermore. Amen.

P.S. For those who have asked, no, I haven't started dancing again. I've looked at two local studios, but haven't felt the pull to join in yet--I've found nothing like the camaraderie we had at the old studio. Life has, as it is wont to do, filled in the empty spaces and I find myself taking long walks in the lakebed and spending time with James in the evenings. And it has been good for both of us. I don't think I'll be gone from it long, I'm just not ready to jump in yet. I'll keep you posted.

~L