Coco Calling No. 116 - If The Weight Of The World Seems Too Great

I wonder if you’re a bit like me when you wake up in the morning? I wake up as the first light of day delicately creeps in through the kitchen window.

I cautiously open one eye and peer out from under my wing, wondering what the new day will deliver. And sometimes, I don’t really want to wake up and face the world at all. Because I went to sleep the previous night knowing that Covid 19 is continuing to ravage the world. That the humans in Beirut are still in great need after last week’s explosion. That lots of other humans are jobless or homeless. That millions of innocent humans are suffering in the Yemen, in shanty towns and refugee camps. And that some of my nearest and dearest are going through very tough times.….

The enormity of human suffering can seem overwhelming. Too much for us to deal with when we wake up in the morning. It’s far easier to simply shut it all out, and to focus on ourselves. After all, none of us can carry the weight of the world on our shoulders; not even if you’ve got broad wings like me.

And yet, as Christians, we’re asked not to ignore the needs of others, but to embrace them through love, compassion, empathy and generosity…. Hang on a minute! I’m only a small parrot. How on earth can I do all that? Well, here’s how it works….

Those of us who are able, can give to charity. Others can give of themselves, spending time or working with others less fortunate. And the rest of us can simply pray. We can lift-up to God all of the suffering of the world. And by doing so, we’re admitting that we can’t exist without Him. Our long-term happiness depends upon both God and Jesus.

Recognising the needs of the world, feeling compassion and empathising with others, -all of this pushes us closer to God. Because it’s putting God at the centre of human suffering where He is most needed. Through praying, we are encouraging God’s spirit to flow down onto the raging fires of human existence, dampening them down with His balm of love, comfort, strength and hope. So that we’re all better able to deal with adversity. And so that we’re reminded that another world awaits us; one that is free of fire, suffering and distress…….

“Now God’s home is with men! ….He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief, crying or pain. The old things have disappeared.” (Revelation: 21:3b-4)

So, after a tentative start, I’ve now woken up today feeling good! I’m strutting my stuff up and down on my perch. Because I know that come what may, I’ll never be alone. The suffering of the world will never crush me so long as I ask God to bear the weight, both for myself and for those whom I pray for every day….

N.B. Coco’s going on holiday for a couple of weeks, so the next blog is due out on Wednesday 2nd September.