The Shimna River
tumbles down from the Mournes
through Tollymore Forest Park,
racing and rushing,
hurtling over boulders
and under bridges,
beautiful
but almost dizzying to watch.

Sometimes my life feels like that –
one mad rush of busy-ness
comprising lengthy To Do lists
that never seem to get completely done.
I feel as if I’m white water rafting
on the river of life.

This morning My God gifted me
with a pool of tranquillity
along this coursing river of life –
Morning Service at St Ann’s Cathedral.
There, in the company of John and Denise
and in the presence of My God,
I found still waters
and emerged at the end of the service
feeling refreshed, relaxed
and at peace.

I left St Ann’s Cathedral
relishing a deep sense of calm
fully aware that, very soon,
it would be time once more
to rejoin the mad rush of life
just like a tiny twig
being carried headlong
by the Shimna River.

© Claire Murray, 26th Feb 2014