It’s that sleepy time of day –
just before tea-time
and I’m singing
while my husband, Paul,
snoozes
on the couch.
Every now and again
Paul opens his eyes
to give me a smile
or a wink
before dozing off again.

And all the while
the sun is shining in
through diamond panes of glass
painting rainbows on my page
as I sing.

Thank you, Lord,
for the precious gift
of this relaxing, harmonious
afternoon –
time spent happily
with the one I love
(and thank you
for the miniature rainbows
that you painted on my page
as I sang!)

© Claire Murray, 25th September 2021

On a sunny September morning
I am blessed to be able to say
my morning prayer
on the doorstep of our holiday house
at Malin Head.

Warm sunshine on my face,
birds chittering all around,
a crow cawing overhead,
the excited cacophony of jackdaws,
a bee buzzing around the flowers,
a sheep bleating in the distance
and not a car to be heard …
anywhere!

Such a sense of peace here.
Stillness, calmness –
no sense of rushing about.

Thank you, Lord,
for the beauty of this sunny morning
in the hills of Malin Head.

Thank you, Lord,
for precious family time
away from the cares and worries
of ordinary, everyday life.

And thank you, Lord,
for these few special moments
with you
as I sit on our doorstep
on a sunny morning
at Malin Head –
perfect!

© Claire Murray, 2nd September 2021

Lord,
we derive so much pleasure
from watching the birds
in our garden
but sometimes
there’s a sad tale to tell.

Like today.

A dove appears
to have been killed
at the bottom of the garden.
All that remains
of this beautiful, peaceful bird,
are feathers of all shapes, sizes and textures
scattered about the grass.
Probably a cat
or a sparrow hawk.

Such a tragic end
for this bird of peace
and this morning,
despite the summer sunshine,
the garden feels
like a sadder place.

I think of a catch-phrase
often used
by one of our neighbours, Brian –
“Everybody’s got to go sometime!”
Isn’t it so true?
For us
and even for our wee birds?

© Claire Murray, 30th July 2020