As a child
I loved fairy tales,
especially those written
by Sinéad deValera.

In her stories,
a young person leaving home
would be offered something
to bring with him
on his journey –
a full bannock
or a half-bannock
along with his mother’s blessing.
Fate always smiled kindly
on those who chose the half-bannock
along with their mother’s blessing
but woe betide the poor soul
who foolishly chose
the whole bannock!

I’m reminded of that today
as I face a decision.

Twenty seven years ago
Paul and I married
and on that day
we became Team Murray
facing life’s joys and challenges
together.

It’s important to me
that we make decisions together
and that, when I do something,
I do it with Paul’s blessing
so that, as a couple,
we stand united and strong.

Lord,
I have a decision to make today
and I choose Paul’s blessing.
I’m not sure whether it will come along
with a full bannock
or a half-bannock.
I just know that,
so long as I choose Paul’s blessing,
I will end up
wherever it is in life
that I really need to be
with Paul by my side.

© Claire Murray, 4th July 2017