It’s a cold, wet night
in November
and I’m in the chapel
at prayer.
A small section of the church
is bathed in light
where we are all gathered

Everywhere else
is in darkness.

My mind is drawn
to some recent hurts
that are still very raw.
These hurts
frequently come to mind
and I’m conscious
that I seem to dwell on them.

I’m aware
that I’m bearing grudges
and, worse than that,
I feel that I’m nursing them.
These grudges are not going away
and, if anything,
they’re getting stronger.

In the peace of the church
I sense an invitation
to leave the darkness
of those grudges
and choose light instead –
the light of Christ
where forgiveness lies.

I make my choice
and settle down in prayer.

A few minutes later
I leave the church
and step out into the darkness
to return home.
But this darkness doesn’t bother me
because I now feel
light at heart.

© Claire Murray, 14th Nov 2019