It was the last day of my summer holiday
and I was feeling sorry for myself.

No more late mornings,
afternoon snoozes
and lazy days.
No more leisurely cycles
to Tullyrusk, Crumlin or Lough Neagh.

An end of relaxation and freedom.
A return to timetables
and discipline.

Time to stop considering
what I would like to do
and instead to focus
on what I have to do.

Then My God spoke to me, saying,

“Claire,
work is a part of life.
It has its place,
along with joy and laughter,
tears and sadness,
friends and family,
health and illness,
birth and death,
love and faith.

Don’t resent it; accept it.

Remember that in your dealings
with colleagues and students
you will come face to face
with me
every day.”

My feelings of self-pity evaporated
and were replaced
with peace.

© Claire Murray