Every year
around this time
I set-up my “out-of-office” notice
on my work computer
so that everyone who emails me
receives a message
telling them
that I’m on holiday
and when I will return.

Today
I’m setting-up my “out-of-office” notice
for the last time.
I’m retiring today, you see.
Twenty six years of teaching
have just flown by –
hard to believe!

I feel blessed
to have been able to spend
so many years
doing a job
that I enjoy.

Twenty six years
of teaching my “wee students”
(some of whom
were over six feet tall!”)

Twenty six years wonderful years
of working with young people
and helping them along
on their educational journey.

Twenty six privileged years
of watching shy, nervous teenagers
mature, blossom and transform
into smiling, confident young adults.

Lord,
thank you for blessing me
with twenty six amazing years
of doing a job I loved
in a place where I felt
that I belonged.

Please bless me
as I step into a new phase of life
with Paul by my side.

Out of office
and in love –
a winning combination!
Thank you, Lord!

© Claire Murray, 7th July 2020