At bedtime on New Year’s Eve
I found myself looking back over a year
that had been difficult
and had caused me to struggle
considerably.

Looking ahead to 2014
I anticipated a year
that would be still more challenging.
For the first time in my life
I greeted a new year
filled with a sense of anxiety
and trepidation.

I began my new year
by rising early
to go to Mass.
During Mass a visiting priest
gently reminded me
that I am a child of God
and that I have nothing to fear
as I face a challenging year
because this is all part
of God’s plan for me
and My God will be with me
every step of the way.

As I knelt in prayer beside Paul
I had a sense that in life
Paul and I stand firmly side by side
united in faith
and united in love.
I had a sense
of Jesus standing right behind us
with one hand on Paul’s shoulder
and the other hand on my shoulder,
guiding and supporting us
as we face a challenging year together.

I left morning Mass convinced
that I will be able to deal with this new year
and all that it may bring
because I will face this year
with Paul by my side
and with Jesus watching protectingly
over both of us.
My God will ensure
that I have all of the help that I need.

© Claire Murray