Funicular

I’ve learnt a new word – ‘funicular’. My friend Tim explained… A funicular is a type of railway. Two counterbalanced carriages are attached to opposite ends of a cable, which is looped over a pulley at the upper end of the track.

I remember seeing one in Scarborough. As one carriage goes up the other comes down at equal speed… One needs the other. There’s a fine balance.

…Chatting to the lovely Kelly. Her Dad’s recently died… going through an unpleasant divorce… caring for her Mum and two teenage daughters. She’s doing a great job. I asked, ‘So who looks after you…?’

Kelly’s caring for her mum and daughters – the carriage goes up. Sorting out her own life, making sure that she’s well – physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually… – the carriage comes down. The two must be balanced.

…Helping Kim write her end of life care plan. Kim’s suffered with anorexia for 20 years:

‘I wish to live out my days trying to enjoy what I can and helping other sufferers and their families.’ Viewing life positively – the carriage goes up.

‘If my brain is starved of oxygen for too long and I am likely be brain damaged I do not wish to be resuscitated.’ Viewing the future realistically – the carriage comes down.

Our friend Sarah’s had a recent scan for cancer. The prognosis isn’t good.

On Sunday her pastor told the Bible story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. Faith in their God caused them to disobey King Nebuchadnezzar. About to be thrown into a blazing furnace they explained that their God could and would save them… even if he didn’t they wouldn’t lose their faith whatever the consequences.

God can and will save them – the carriage goes up; even if he doesn’t… the carriage comes down.

We pray for Sarah… Our God can and will heal her – the carriage goes up;  even if he doesn’t we won’t lose faith – the carriage goes down. The two are held in tension and fine balance.