We decide
to spend a week at Malin
on the coast of North Donegal
and we happen to arrive there
on the exact same day
as Storm Ciara.

Inside our wee cottage
we listen
as winds howl
and hailstones rattle
on the roof
and the windows.

Thank God for our turf fire!

During a lull in the storm
we drive to Ballyliffin
where, from a safe distance,
we watch wild Atlantic waves
as they crash and roar
rumbling and tumbling
onto the shore
in a huge expanse
of churning, gleaming
white foam.

The wind picks up again
and it’s time to return
to our car.

Gusting wind
whips strands of my hair
into my blinking eyes
and stings my cheeks
with hailstones and sand.
We pull our hoods up
like Arctic explorers
and lean into the wind.

Paul leads the way.

I can’t see to right
or to left –
I can only see
directly in front of me.
I follow Paul’s steps
exactly.

This is tunnel-vision
and is slightly disorientating
but I know that I am safe
because I’m with Paul –
if I stumble
he will steady me.

Feeling this safe
in Storm Ciara –
imagine!

And yet that’s how I feel
when life’s storms
rage around me.
I always feel
that if I just keep my eyes
fixed on Jesus,
He will see me through,
no matter what
my troubles may be.

It’s not easy, of course,
but, in prayer,
I button up my coat,
put my head down
and follow Jesus.
He always leads me safely
through life’s storms.

© Claire Murray, February 2020