The Wonders of Waterford

Journeying through the beauty to what lies beyond.

What's the Story? in Waterford #1

Photo by Anthony Curran 

The Waterford Greenway cuts a fresh path, bringing a width of wonders into the open.  A new way of enjoying the beauty around us, built on an old railway line.  The journey begins in the city beside the River Suir and then winds slowly past the fragrance of flowers in Mount Congreve.  The quietness of green fields are watched over by the unfolding Comeragh Mountains, before the salty seaside air and the beauty of Dungarvan Bay greet us at the close.  It’s a feast for the senses.  Little wonder that it has been recognised as Ireland’s best visitor attraction.  A journey, made on foot or by bike, that is slow enough to open our senses and soak in the wonder of the world around us.  It soothes our soul.  

If we venture off track a little and explore the mountains we can enjoy the sounds of water flowing over rocks at Mahon Falls.  If we’re travelling on four wheels this time we might stop the car at the fairy tree and discover a little piece of magic, as it rolls up the hill.  Before you rush to remove the wonder and reason this away, maybe let it sit a little.  We could all do with a bit of magic in life.   

In the journey of life we encounter moments that draw us out of ourselves.  That brings a bit of magic.  The wonder of life as a child is born.  Losing yourself in the beauty of music. Finding solace in the embrace of your beloved.  These moments invite us to travel beyond the busy noise of our lives to be still and know there is a world beyond what we can see, hear, taste, smell and feel.  A world beyond ourselves.  

Life in a materialistic world- full of things- and in an advanced age- seemingly full of answers- can be surprisingly empty.  It’s no wonder many are looking for more.  Some have found this connection in the wonders of nature.  Whether that be in recovering the ancient ways of Celtic Ireland or welcoming the new age religions from the East there is a desire for more. 

Moments of wonder invite us to venture beyond the energies at work in the universe to ask, “Are we alone in the world?”  Could it be that beyond a sense of spirituality there might lie a personal God who we can know? In a survey of almost one thousand people in Ireland on life and faith the question, “Is there anyone out there?” was one of the six key questions identified.  

As wonder invites us on this adventure, we often refuse the invitation.  We believe that science has disproved faith.  We are inhibited, as we don’t hear this question from the media or from our friends.  We might even be afraid of what it might mean if there was a God out there.  Maybe it’s better not to know.  So we resist the offer.  

The wonders of Waterford are enjoyed by travellers from a wide range of faith backgrounds.  All appreciate the beauty, but some believe we are just another part of nature, others that there are forces at work beyond and some that there is a God to know and walk with through it.  ‘Why wouldn’t this God make it clearer?’  we might think, but what if he has made it plain as day and we choose to keep our eyes wide shut?   

An illustration from Bryan Gregory asks us to imagine we are in the company of an art student and their teacher before Rembrandt’s Night Watch, in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.  The teacher invites the student to look for the artist in the painting.  The student looks in vain for a signature, then remembers Rembrandt sometimes painted himself in one of the characters.  Again he is left frustrated and admits defeat.  The teacher softly says, “You look for a signature, but I see the subtlety of artistic style.  You look at their faces, but I see the character of the brushstrokes.  And that is why you look at the painting and conclude the artist is nowhere.  And that is why I look at the painting and see the artist everywhere.”  Imagine the wonder if, beyond their wildest dreams, the student and teacher got to know Rembrandt in person.  This would surely transform how they would see his artwork.  

The Christian faith holds that God, the supreme artist, has left his mark on this world and our eyes are opened to this when we get to know Jesus.  He is God’s Son who has made his Father known.  This is how John introduces Jesus to us in his gospel (John 1.18).  Might the wonder of our world be inviting us to know this God who himself became a person? The mysterious wonder of God and man in Jesus.  

Discovering him makes all the difference.  The Christianity that Patrick brought to Celtic Ireland was one which saw magic in the world.  He appreciated the wonder in the world, yet in a different way to those whose belief in the impersonal and unpredictable spiritual forces at work brought fear and insecurity.  Patrick saw a world beautified and wondered by a good and gracious God.  The wonders of the world drew Him out into the wonders of Jesus.  

So, as you enjoy the beauties of Waterford and you encounter those moments of transcendence that invite us beyond ourselves, where will they take you? 

If you are interested in exploring these questions more check out What’s The Story in Autumn 2022.  

This blog is written by Colin Holmes, pastor of Ferrybank Christian Community Church.  Originally from Co. Antrim, he has made Waterford his home since 2010 and enjoys feeding his soul on the wonders of mountains, beaches or woods of Waterford, with family, friends or even happy in his own company.