Happy St. Patrick's Day!

An Old Irish Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm on your face,
And rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

I love the gentle optimism and strong faith that this Irish blessing conveys. Here's another one:

A Wish for a Friend

Wishing you a rainbow
For sunlight after showers--
Miles and miles of Irish smiles
For golden happy hours--
Shamrocks at your doorway
For luck and laughter too,
And a host of friends that never ends
Each day your whole life through.

Happiness, laughter, and friendship--some of the best things in life. St. Patrick used the shamrock as an object lesson when he taught about the Holy Trinity.

From St. Patrick's Breastplate

Christ be with me
Christ before me
Christ behind me
Christ in me
Christ beneath me
Christ above me
Christ on my right
Christ on my left
Christ where I lie
Christ where I sit
Christ where I arise
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me
Christ in every eye that sees me
Christ in every ear that hears me
Salvation is of the Lord

This reminds me of the gospel chorus: "Christ in me; Yes, it's Christ in me; Every day, as I go my way; It is Christ in me."

An Old Irish Blessing

May love and laughter light your days,
And warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
With joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
Bring the best to you and yours!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!