If I had to describe retirement
in just one word,
it would be this –
elevenses!

Coffee, a chokky bikkie
and a chat
every morning
at 11-ish,
all prepared and enjoyed
at a leisurely pace –
a far cry
from the quick cup of tea
that I would grab
in between classes
when I was working.

I feel as if I have exchanged
white-water-rafting
for a leisurely paddle
in a canoe
down the Lagan
on a calm, sunny afternoon.

Retirement –
time to slip down a gear
and savour life’s little luxuries –
like elevenses
with the one I love.

Thank you, Lord!

© Claire Murray, 5th May 2023

A wee girl,
about four years old,
is playing on her scooter
at Tollymore
while her Daddy follows
behind.

The path is steep
and the wee girl pushes hard
to propel herself
up the hill.

This wee girl is exhilarated
by her scooter ride
and proclaims,
“Up the hill!
Up the hill!
Up the hill!”
as she passes slowly by,
wheels a-flashing
as she goes.

A wee girl,
filled with the joys of life
and with absolute confidence
that, with her Daddy by her side,
she will get
where she wants to go.

Isn’t that exactly
how each of us should approach
the hills that we encounter
in life –
with absolute confidence
in our Heavenly Father
Who is always
by our side?

© Claire Murray, 18th February 2023

In the height of summer
we head to Tollymore,
arriving right at noon
when there’s no escaping
the hot, noonday sun
as we picnic.

Then, off into the cool forest
where trees tower
and the air is cool –
bliss!

The River Shimna is shallow
after a recent dry spell
looking as if, for once,
we could simply
step across it.

Families with their children
play in the river,
laughing and shrieking
as the cold water
splashes over them.

Youngsters explore
the stepping stones,
intense concentration etched
on their wee faces
as they step cautiously
and then yelling with delight
as they complete their mission.

A youth group
all dressed-up in safety gear
plunges
into a deep pool
in the river.

Then, up into the coolness
of the hills
where sunlight filters
through the trees
onto dusty paths.

Blue skies,
peace and quiet
and a very real sense
of summer.

Thank you, Lord,
for precious family time together
in the coolness of the forest
on a hot sunny day –
a perfect antidote
to the intense heat
of summer!

© Claire Murray, 24th June 2023

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