I called into St Malachy’s church this morning
on my way to work.
A cleaning lady was busily occupied in the chapel
lifting kneelers
and mopping the floor.
I offered to move to a different seat,
concerned that I might be getting in her way.
She replied,
“You’re alright. This is God’s house!”
and went on about her work.

A sense of welcome
flooded over me
and I felt invited to allow myself
to let go of all of the worries, anxieties,
self-doubts and responsibilities
that form so much of my adult life.
I felt invited to allow myself
to snuggle up beside My God
and to allow myself to become His wee girl,
loved, welcome
and safe in His arms.

I experienced a deep sense of peace.

A short time later as I left the chapel
to continue my journey to work
the cleaning lady commented,
“I hope I’m not chasing you out, love?”
and I thought to myself
that the cleaning lady was wholly mistaken;
she couldn’t have made me feel
more welcome!
©Claire Murray