A busy Saturday morning was planned
but an engagement was cancelled
so we packed a quick picnic,
jumped in the car
and headed off to Portglenone
in search of bluebells.

Bluebell season was just beginning
and the hillsides of Portglenone
were deep purple,
swathed in bluebells
that had recently opened.

Because it was so early in the season
we almost had the forest to ourselves
and it felt as if we were getting
a sneak preview.

As we wandered along paths and tracks
with bluebells on all sides,
I savoured being surrounded by purple,
my favourite colour.
Worries and cares about home and work
simply slipped away.
I relaxed and felt a deep sense of peace.

As we dandered along,
I felt that My God was bestowing on me
a wonderful gift –
the beauty of his bluebells and
this unexpected time with my family.
My God was giving to me
a break from all of my concerns.
He was giving to me an oasis of calm
in my hectic life.
I felt My God saying,
“Claire, all of this is my gift to you!
Enjoy it!”

So that’s what I did!
I basked in beauty of this purple haven,
in the company of my family
and I felt truly blessed!

© Claire Murray