After week upon week
of having the freedom to do
exactly as I please
I find myself on the brink
of returning to work.
And yet, at the end of my summer,
I sense
that rather than mourning
a return to work
I’m celebrating a summer spent happily
in the company of family
and friends.

I’m aware
that life can be difficult sometimes
and gruelling at other times.
For our wee family
this summer has been tinged with sadness
by the recent death of Danny.
But I feel that this summer
My God has given me a break
from the darker side of life
and has instead simply instructed me
to go and enjoy myself.

And that’s what I’ve done.
Walks, cycles and train journeys,
lunches, coffees and ice creams,
songs and music,
chatter and laughter,
late to bed and late to rise …
… bliss!

As my summer draws to a close
I feel rested,
ready to accept work for what it is –
a necessary part of life.
I feel fortunate
because I have the good health that I need
in order to return to my job.
And I feel blessed
because My God has gifted me
with a summer of rest and relaxation,
enabling me to return to work
refreshed
and ready to face
all that lies ahead.

© Claire Murray, 16th August 2014