This has been a peculiar summer for us,
full of concern
and uncertainty.
But this morning I awoke
to blue skies
and blazing sunshine.
First I ran the couple of errands
that I needed to do.
Then I hopped on my beloved bike
and away I went!

Y – A – Y ! ! !

I flew downhill,
making a bee-line for the Tow Path,
through air that was filled with birdsong
and with the delicate scent
of wild flowers,
relishing the rare sensation
of the Irish sun warming my skin.
I felt exhilarated,
deeply aware
of how precious this moment was
and convinced that My God was giving me
a day off
from all of my worries.

I thought to myself,
“This feels like heaven!”

I had a wonderful day –
a day of chance encounters with friends,
a lovely lunch with my husband
(what can I say?? I’m in love!!)
And on my way home
I stopped off at My Spot on the Tow Path,
where the River Lagan bends
and flows oh, so slowly.
Standing there I felt such a strong sense
of being in the presence of My God
and, for me, time just stood still.

Lord,
at this time of uncertainty in our lives
thank you for the precious gift
of a summer’s day
that felt just like heaven!

© Claire Murray, 19th July 2016