High above my head
on a clear spring morning
two tiny black guillemots fly
across a clear, blue sky
as I rush to work.
Something about the way that they fly
seems really determined.
Wherever they are going,
and however hard it is,
this journey is one
that the two guillemots are making
together.

I think of Paul and me
as we brace ourselves
on a journey that is, at times,
challenging.

Dandering through Botanic Gardens
enjoying my summer break,
The cottage garden is a delightful medley –
purples, pinks, yellows and reds,
soft pom-poms, spikey thistles,
whispering bamboo
and incessant birdsong.
But one set of flowers in particular
catches my eye –
beautiful purple flowers
with slender stems
and pom-pom blossoms,
each standing tall and singular.
Except for two flowers
which gently lean towards each other
and intertwine,
supporting each other.

I think of Paul and me
and the support and comfort
that we give to each other
day by day.

Thank you, Lord,
for the love
and the deep sense of commitment
that we share
as we face everything that life throws at us
together.

© Claire Murray, 11th July 2016