Still in Labour

 

I’m going to risk making too much of a meal out of this image of the world being in the pangs of labour right now, by making one more observation.

It is almost a cliché that during labour, women are irritable and short-tempered with the anxious husband who is faffing around offering helpful suggestions. It is another cliché that may have some truth in it, that many a husband, hearing a problem from his wife, instantly wants to fix it: in the labour ward, it is patently obvious that there is nothing he can do to fix the situation. It has to take its course.

What he can do is remain kind. Answer the sharp snap from his wife with a gentle word or even a loving squeeze of the hand. Just be there.

As the world contorts in an agony of wars, injustices, terrorist aggressions, polarised opinions and natural disasters like floods, earthquakes, fires and pestilence, often the most effective thing we can do is pray. It may look like we are disengaged, but in fact praying is being fully engaged in the struggle, partnering with God who really understands where the struggle stems from.

Prayer keeps our minds open and our hearts soft. It keeps hope alive as we put all our trust in God, recognising the limitations of our efforts. It also stimulates us to take actions which, God-ordained, are most effective. Offering the practical help and compassionate support where it is most needed. Forgiving when that help might not be received as we thought it would: recognising that we are all operating out of the trauma and hurt of our own unique experiences.

We are all sinners, walking each other home. May God give us grace to be vulnerable, to be loving, to be kind, to forgive. As we observe the agonies of birth pangs, may our anticipation of the Kingdom keep us doing all we can, while leaning on Him who loves the world so much he came and died for us, and for it.

There will be a day when all tears are wiped away, when there is no more suffering, sorrow or fears. Until then, may we love Jesus tenaciously and resolutely focus on, and lean on, him.