Oh dear! Politicians have stared to fall out. The honeymoon period of the coalition government is clearly over. Of course, we have known that there have been differences even within parties in the past - think the Eurosceptic wars of previous Tory cabinets. The present difficulties have even put the snow and cold into the shade. What is obvious is that the era of mutual support is over. That is sad.
The Bible account of the pregnancy of Mary shows a better way to face difficulties. Mary's first place to find support was to visit her elderly cousin who was also pregnant. 'A problem shared is a problem halved' seems to have been in her mind.
'A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy.' (Luke 1.39-44)
Instead of facing her developing pregnancy on her own, Mary's wise decision to share her experience with Elizabeth reminds me that all of us need the understanding and support of one another. In the busyness of these days, we can all provide support for some of those around us. What a gift that might be.
Best wishes,
Richard
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