This world, Spirit, has a fair amount of suffering in it, in case you haven’t noticed.
So much suffering, in fact, that many often lose their way in you because of it.
(It’s a real problem, you might even say.)
We suffer, seemingly, alone.
We suffer together.
We suffer knowing of the suffering of others.
That last one, that can be a real doozey.
But you know that, don’t you?
You know all too well the suffering,
for you are suffering too—
you must be—
to see the world as it is some days.
To know that so many have chosen another way,
a way that cuts and hurts and breaks apart.
But you are patient,
present,
and full of life,
and you wait—
for us to heed your call and return,
together,
to your way—
to the way of everlasting love and peace.
You wait for us to return to creating with you—
the world,
life,
as you imagine.
A world in which,
at the very least,
we realise that we are not alone,
that we are never alone.
And that’s a good thing.
Because suffering isn’t something that should be felt or endured alone.
And, even, if we can’t always feel it in every moment,
those words that Simon and Garfunkel so aptly sung,
are so true of you,
that—
“I will comfort you
I’ll take your part
Oh, when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Oh, if you need a friend
I’m sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind”
And your presence, Spirit, time and again, always does.
For you are there, suffering, right along with us.
Amen.