June proves to be
a difficult month this year –
work is challenging
and life is hectic.
After several weeks
Paul and I both feel drained
and we head off
to Ards Friary in Donegal
for the weekend.

Ards proves to be the perfect antidote
to the intense busy-ness
of the past few weeks.

Ards is a place
that is peaceful, restful
and prayerful.

Ards is a place
to chat over dinner,
drink tea by the fire
and chat to fellow guests
and student workers.

Ards is a place
to dander,
to pray,
to snooze
to confess.

Ards is a place
that is steeped in faith
and yet it’s a place
where faith is not forced.
It feels, somehow,
that God is on-tap here,
in a special way,
24/7.

Ards proves to be the perfect place
for us to rest.
After the weekend
our batteries have been recharged.

Now, we both feel refreshed,
ready to return to work
and to everything else
that may await us.

© Claire Murray, 22 June 2015