My parish is Hannahstown,
on the slopes of Black Mountain.
It’s where I go
to pray and to sing.
It’s where I go
when I am in need
of inspiration
or consolation.
It’s where I go
in search of peace.

I face a challenge this weekend
and, as I walk into work,
I feel slightly anxious.

Approaching the road
I am just seconds too late
to cross at the traffic lights.
I have to wait a few minutes
until they change again.

While I wait
I turn to look behind me
and there I see Black Mountain
among the Belfast Hills
which stretch along behind the city,
looking peaceful and calm
as they bask in Spring sunshine.

Into my head pops
one of the songs
we sometimes sing at Mass,
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains
from where shall come my help …”

And I instantly know,
without a shadow of a doubt
that My God is with me
as I face this challenge
and that He will give me
all of the help that I need.

And as I cross the road
to go into work
my soul is at peace.

© Claire Murray, 10th March 2016