07/09/2026
Day 4 Iona to Lindisfarne
I walked from Oban to Bridge of Awe.
Really difficult to leave Katie and set off walking but did see her again briefly when she tracked me down to give me some cash to replace some I'd given her the day before.
I felt God gave me the word solitude today so expected to walk all day on my own, as it was about 5 miles in I caught up with Peter, a guy who Katie has met who was also headed to Lindisfarne on foot from Iona so we walked most of the way together.
I got chance to share my testimony of why and how I became a Christian and he shared how he'd been brought up catholic but doesn't follow any faith anymore.
We talked about art and creativity, Peter shared that he'd had a heart attack and now has 3 stents but his wife gave him an empty journal as he was recovering so he started to write poetry about his heart issues, this started a love of writing poetry, often amusing and Peter shared one of his poems with me, it reminded me of Albert and the Lion and I l could tell it was written in his native Yorkshire accent.
He also told me he paints and I shared my recent love for pottery so we had chance to encourage one another.
I prayed for him and his son and hope both continue to find joy in their lives.
I think the solitude word from God was for me to not fear being left alone or feel abandoned, that God will put people in my life to help and that sometimes my loneliness is a feeling not a fact. I can often feel all alone even in a room full of people, even in a room full of friends, but God prompted me to realise that it's not true, I have people who love me and others who share their lives with me, so I'm not alone and don't need to fear it.
I feel encouraged by my sharing today with Peter, the walk and our life stories.
We said goodbye at Taynuilt and I walked on to my hotel alone, I did get a bit damp the last mile though.
Another good day and God using me to speak into people's lives, thank you God.
