One day,
at the end of my summer break,
I hop on my bike at Dundrod
and cycle off to a favourite spot of mine
at the foot of Corbally Road
by the shores of Lough Neagh.
It’s raining.
As I cycle,
raindrops pitter-patter on my helmet
and drip off the end of my nose.
My trainers are sodden
and by the time I reach my destination
my wet hands are too slippery
to open my flask of tea
and I am forced to knock on a stranger’s door
to ask for help.
Yet, as I sit on the damp grass,
drinking my precious cup of tea
and looking out over a grey Lough Neagh,
I feel a deep sense of peace and contentment.
I think of Paul,
tied up at work
in an office in Belfast
and I feel such a strong sense of togetherness
that for the first time
I understand
why people refer to their husband or wife
as their “other half”.
I sense Paul in my heart
and the presence of Our God
surrounding both of us
and I know that I have been blessed
to find my place in the world.
I hop back on my bike
and begin my cycle home
at peace with myself and with My God
and in love with Paul.
© Claire Murray