As I cross the footbridge of the River Lagan
I see beautiful morning skies
reflected in the water below.
The clouds of the reflected sky
have deeper shades
and are distorted by ripples and waves.
This imperfect reflection
differs from the sky,
yet is similar
and has a beauty of its own.
I am reminded that deep within me
is a tiny spark of My God
and that each day I am called
to reflect his deep, unconditional love
to my family, friends, students
and strangers.
Sometimes my reflection of his love
is blasted to smithereens
by my impatience, harsh judgements
and temper.
I feel ashamed.
And I wonder whether I am setting myself
too high a standard,
one that is simply impossible
for me to attain.
One evening,
I am surprised to see
that the mighty Lagan
is virtually motionless.
It has been transformed into a dark mirror
reflecting the nightscape of Belfast’s docks
in minute detail.
Buildings, lights, stone archways
and even Nuala with the Hula
are mirrored in the still water
in such perfection
that it is almost impossible to know
where reality ends
and reflection begins.
My heart soars and I feel reassured
that my targets are not too high;
with the help of My God
even the seemingly impossible
is possible after all.
© Claire Murray