Mammy sometimes says,
“If you want to give God
a good laugh
tell him what your plans are!”
And I think
that there’s a lot of truth
in that.

This year,
when Lent began,
I had P L A N S,
so many small sacrifices
that I was determined to make,
so much extra time
that I was going to spend
in prayer.

In the end
my efforts were futile
and I made a sad discovery about myself –
that I am skilled in the art
of making excuses.

On this Good Friday morning
I find that I identify so strongly
with St Peter
who pledged undying loyalty to Jesus
proudly declaring
that he would face death
rather than deny Jesus.

St Peter failed to deliver
on his promises.
And so did I.

Lord,
looking back on Lent
I feel ashamed
and unworthy.
My plans for Lent came, yet again,
to nothing.
Today, on Good Friday,
help me to make the most
of these final days of Lent.
Help me to surrender, at last,
to your plans
for me.

© Claire Murray (3rd April 2015)