“Lean on me, when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on, for it won’t be long, ‘til I’m gonna need, somebody to lean on.”

The words of this iconic song have perhaps never been more relevant than as this year (2020), heads into it’s final weeks. The fact that Christmas and the end of the year are upon us so quickly are another topic entirely, but here we are.

For so many reasons that we’re all aware of, 2020 has been collectively one of the worst years for a long time. We weren’t ready for it, were we? Many people were still reeling after the seemingly endless disasters that hit during 2019 – then the pandemic hit, and life has changed for us all. 

Rather than dwell on the negatives, I would like to ask, what have we learnt? 

I believe that 2019 and 2020 have shown us that we need each other. Being forced to isolate and separate has hopefully helped us to understand and appreciate the value of family and friends. A high five, a handshake, a pat on the back, slap on the shoulder, or a big hug – how much have we missed these things? 

The company, support and encouragement of those close to us are something that we should never take for granted. The impact of this physical interaction (both on us and from us on others) is often unperceived, yet it forms a large part of the support network within which we can be happy and thrive. 

Without this for large parts of 2020, thousands of people have really struggled. Hopefully, (at least here in Australia) we’re starting to see light at the end of the tunnel, but in the mean time if you’re still looking to make sense of what we’ve all just been through, consider the words of Jesus where he says, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28, NLT)

If that sounds like the kind of support that might help you, grab a bible and have a read –you might just change your life!