Lean On Me

A few days ago I was trying to lift a box of books up onto a shelf at work. The weight of the box was something I could handle, but my back was turned, all my energy was invested, and my arms felt the full effort needed to hoist the load up and accomplish my task.

Then someone offered to help. They lifted the other side of the box, and what was difficult for me, became something reasonably do-able now! The shared feeling of small accomplishment (lifting a box isn't really a great success, although it may have needed to be done) was shared as well. The sense that I didn't have to do it alone, although not central to the task being accomplished, really created a different level of comradery.

What I could do alone, I didn't have to.  Usually I pride myself in working hard and not shying away from doing things like moving furniture myself, or lifting several bags in from the car after grocery shopping, or hauling my own lawn chairs from the shed to the deck, although I can barely carry them. I have always said "Where there is a will, there is a way". BUT, I also have had to realize that even though I CAN do these things, it is not always wise to do them alone. And I also have had to realize that some things I truly CAN'T do alone.

Here is where our next question comes in . Ask your spouse "What is Heavy on Your Shoulders Right Now, and How Can I Help?"

When you are asked, swallow your pride and tell your partner exactly how you feel burdened and truly what would help from them.

As I thought about this question I thought of another song.  Read the lyrics, sing it as you go about your day, and the next time you and your spouse talk, find out how you can be leaned upon.

Lean on Me

Bill Withers

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

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

Please swallow your pride
If I have faith you need to borrow
For no one can fill those of your needs
That you won't let show

You just call on me brother, when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

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