It’s a sunny day
in Belfast
so we pack a picnic
and drive off
to spend the day
at Ravensdale.
Unfortunately
the good weather doesn’t last
and by the time we arrive
the sun has disappeared
and the sky has darkened.
Oh, dear!
Time to don hats and gloves!
Our forest walk
is challenging –
steep uphills
and stoney paths
but we find peace here
and beauty.
Turning a corner
we emerge from the trees
and find ourselves
dazzled in sunlight.
Ahead of us
the path brightens
and our shadows stride before us
like giants.
The path is just
as steep and stumbly
as before,
yet our hearts lift
and our step is light.
Haven’t those few
moments of sun
simply transformed our walk?
In much the same way
that God transforms our lives
if only
we open our hearts
and invite Him in.
© Claire Murray, 15th January 2023