I remember a friend
saying to me
that when she returns
to her family home
in South Derry
and goes for a walk
through the fields,
she often thinks to herself,
“Is there really anywhere
better than this
in the world?”

Words that fascinated me.

Living in a city,
I could only imagine
the freedom
of walking through fields
without fear of annoying the farmer
who owned them.

Until now.

I find myself
on a short family holiday
in the grounds of Drumcovitt House
near Feeny.

In the evenings,
a walk through the gardens
where mighty trees tower overhead
and bees buzz
in the rhododendrons.

Followed by Scrabble on the patio
while jackdaws cackle
and thrushes serenade.

Then a dander
down a tree-lined lane
(the trees are tall, magnificent
and over 200 years old!)
Here there are fields
that we are allowed
to walk through!
No need to fear the farmer –
such freedom!

Amazing views of Benbradagh,
Binevenagh and Sawel
all greyed-out
in the summer evening sky.

Peace and quiet,
a sense of wonder
and a sense of family –
perfect!

Thank you, Lord,
for a wonderful family holiday –
precious time together
and the luxury
of walking through fields.

© Claire Murray, 14th June 2023

It’s one of the longest
days of the year –
time for a wee trip away
to enjoy the long evening.

A picnic at Carlingford
looking out over the harbour
and the Mournes beyond
while crows and jackdaws gather,
ready to swoop down
for any scraps that fall.

A walk along
the quiet coast road
at Greenore
dark blue sea rippling
in the distance
at low-tide.

Song birds climb to the heavens
singing as they soar
and as they glide back down
to earth.
An otter darts
across the road
just in front of us.
Goats munch on the verge
and cows watch curiously
as we pass.

A relaxed evening
savouring the tranquillity and beauty
of the coast
and simply chatting
among ourselves
as we enjoy precious family time
together.

Thank you, Lord,
for this wonderful , relaxing
summer’s evening
on one of the longest days
of the year.

© Claire Murray, 22nd June 2023

A friend makes a flippant remark
that leaves me stunned
and hurt.
I try to forget about it
but it preys on my mind
and I feel a heaviness of heart.

I feel wounded.

I turn to Jesus in prayer.
“Lord, how is it
that You were able to forgive
those who betrayed, denied
and deserted you
as well as those who tortured, mocked
and crucified You,
while I struggling to forgive
one thoughtless comment?”

I sit in prayer
and soon,
Words pop into my head,
“Father, forgive them
for they know not
what they do.”
And in that instant
I feel a weight lift off my shoulders
and a lightness of heart.

I feel healed.

I have a sense that, this morning,
Jesus has reached out
and has shown me
The Way.
I now feel at peace
and able to put that flippant remark
behind me
where it belongs.

Thank you, Lord!

© Claire Murray