March 17: Saint Patrick’s Day

I thought about discussing a lesser known holiday today, like National Quilting Day or Submarine Day, but, since I actually did inherit a good bit of Irish blood, I simply can’t pass up Saint Patrick’s Day.

I suspect we all know the basic facts of St. Patrick’s life: kidnapped from his home as a young man/boy and taken to Ireland as a slave, escaped over 6 years later, began to take his faith seriously, spent over 15 years in religious training, and returned to Ireland to spread the gospel.

Now, hold on a second. Yes, I said 15 years. Ouch. Even our doctors and lawyers get their training faster today.

For Ezra had devoted himself to the study and observance of the Law of the LORD, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel.

Ezra 7:10