A couple of people have said to me, “surely you’re not going to keep doing your walks in the winter?”, looking horrified at the very thought.  Which makes sense in some ways – certainly we’ll not be chilling out at the Thompson Dock picnic tables like we did back in the “summer” – but then in other ways I’ve gotta ask, Why Not?

Susan and I certainly weren’t the only ones to have bundled up in hats and scarves to go for a fabulous, fresh walk in the snow this afternoon.  From families to little old ladies, everyone was stomping along on the frozen ground, breath steaming, exchanging “yes-it’s-cold-but-isn’t-this-great?’ glances as we slid and slithered past each other.

Last week, at the Arrow retreat in Newry, we got to have fabulous winter walks every morning through a misty forest and beside a still lake – what an amazing way to start the day:

So if you’re thinking of joining us at 3:33 on Sunday afternoons over the next few weeks, just stick a wooly hat (pom-pom optional) in your pocket and come right on ahead – I can promise lots of long, lingering hot chocolates, steaming coffees and comforting teas in La Tasca, the Premier Inn or The Streat over the coming weeks as well as a chance to explore a white, crisp Titanic Quarter, watch the sun go down over Belfast Lough, and (as always) enjoy discussion, prayer, scripture and worship with a great bunch of people.

(update post-Dock Walk: and fabulous it was – our first snowy Dock Walk, a beautiful sunset, great chat and hot chocolates in the Premier Inn to finish!)