Lord,
at this moment I find
that there are many aspects of my life
that are way beyond my control.
Talking about them
and even thinking about them
leaves me feeling frustrated.

I feel powerless.

As I cycle to work
along the Tow Path,
mulling these thoughts over
in my mind,
a sense gradually grows
that you are with me right now
in this difficult situation.

You reassure me,
telling me
that I am not powerless,
that there is something very constructive
I can do –
I can support
all of those concerned
through love
and through prayer.

I find the words of the Serenity Prayer
coming into my mind –
“ … grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.”

And as I continue my journey
into work
I feel peace begin to settle
on my soul.

© Claire Murray, 30th June 2015

June proves to be
a difficult month this year –
work is challenging
and life is hectic.
After several weeks
Paul and I both feel drained
and we head off
to Ards Friary in Donegal
for the weekend.

Ards proves to be the perfect antidote
to the intense busy-ness
of the past few weeks.

Ards is a place
that is peaceful, restful
and prayerful.

Ards is a place
to chat over dinner,
drink tea by the fire
and chat to fellow guests
and student workers.

Ards is a place
to dander,
to pray,
to snooze
to confess.

Ards is a place
that is steeped in faith
and yet it’s a place
where faith is not forced.
It feels, somehow,
that God is on-tap here,
in a special way,
24/7.

Ards proves to be the perfect place
for us to rest.
After the weekend
our batteries have been recharged.

Now, we both feel refreshed,
ready to return to work
and to everything else
that may await us.

© Claire Murray, 22 June 2015