Through the Window at Starbucks

It’s a sunny summer’s morning
and I’m meeting friends for coffee
at Starbucks.
We sit outside in the sunshine
sipping lattes, chatting
and laughing – bliss!

Through the window of Starbucks
I see a busy young father –
pushing a pram with one hand
and carrying his precious coffee
in the other.
He finds a seat and unstraps his baby son
lifting him joyfully up
into the air
and jiggling his delighted son
from side to side
before strapping him safely
into the high chair.

The young father then starts to unpack –
baby food, baby wipes,
a drinking cup, a bib
and a spoon.

Then the fun begins.
The young father laughs
as he feeds and cleans his son,
wide-eyed all the time
and scarcely taking his eyes off his son …
and his coffee must be getting so cold!

And as I watch this interplay
between playful baby
and besotted father
I’m reminded of the Book of Proverbs
where Wisdom is by God’s side,
“delighting Him day after day,
ever at play in His presence.”
I’m reminded
of just how besotted God is
with every single one of us,
delighting in each of us
and brimming over with love for us,

And just like that young father
looking after each one of us
isn’t work for God –
it’s love.

© Claire Murray, 19th June 2019

(Proverbs – 8:30)

Borrowed Time

Once upon a time,
when I was a student,
I bought a wee balloon china cup.
I still have it.
It’s my cup of choice
when I take a notion
for a wee cup of tea.

The years have taken their toll
on my wee balloon cup –
a tiny chip at the rim
and a short crack,
stained brown.
Not bad for almost 30 years
of constant daily use.

But the other day I knocked it
against another mug.
I glanced down,
expecting to see
that I’d broken it
and I sighed in relief
when my wee balloon cup
appeared to be intact.

Today, while washing the dishes,
examination revealed
that a new crack now stretches
from the tiny chip
all the way down
to the bottom.
Another new crack
reaches half way down.
And I thought to myself,
“My balloon cup is on borrowed time,
just like Danny.”

Something tells me
that soon my wee balloon cup
will be gone.

And so will Danny.

© Claire Murray, 13th June 2012