Lord,
just before a baby is born
an expectant mother often goes
on an extensive tidying spree,
cleaning the entire house
and making sure that everything is ready
for new arrival.
People call this “nesting”.

I’m aware that these days,
Danny is busy organising
wee chores about his house.
I see new skirting boards being fitted,
doors and locks being replaced,
the garage being tidied
and I think to myself,
“Danny’s nesting”.

Except,
Danny’s not preparing for a new arrival;
he’s preparing for his own departure.

Lord,
be with Danny
as he prepares quietly
and without a fuss
for a death
that he has accepted.

Stay with him, Lord
and give him a sense
of your loving, comforting presence
as he goes about “nesting” in his own house
and prepares
to enter yours.

© Claire Murray, 7th September 2013