I  watched a dove sitting by itself on a lamp post for at least fifteen minutes. Eventually it flew off, clearly giving up on another dove coming to perch beside it. Do you ever wish that someone would come sit with you when you’re at a low moment?

In my more able past, I used to look out for people sitting by themselves in my church. One time I sat with an elderly woman for what turned out to be her last Sunday. I am so glad I did that. Never doubt yourself, just have courage and be kind.

Now, I think my disability puts people off. Don’t ever think that using a rollator or a wheelchair speaks of self-sufficiency. Everyone needs a friend. Someone to sit beside them to say ‘I see you.’ ‘I am with you’. Do you have a friend like that? Are you willing to be that friend no matter what?

Self-dependency can tell a false story. Leaving a person to fend for themselves will not make them stronger. Pairing two people together will. It says in Ecclesiastes, ‘Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.’*

So take heart, you never need to summon up the strength to face hard things alone. You’ve got a friend, just ask for their help. Hard to do, but always worth it.

Remember the times you were alone and make a promise to yourself that the person you see struggling will never be by themselves, if it is within your power to sit with them. Compassion is not expensive, it just takes a momentary ounce of courage. Look out for those precious chances today.

A lot of people are also walking a lonely road. Most times I go round the park I see someone by themselves. It might be by choice, but I’m not sure. My poor brother had to carry his collapsed dog for a kilometer yesterday. Someone to be beside him for that gruelling journey might have been a comfort. Many struggle alone with horrible things. Are you in a position to help them shoulder that burden? Jesus put it perfectly when He said, ‘my yoke is easy and my burden is light’*. Getting alongside that would make a huge difference to anyone.

*Matthew 11:30

*Ecclesiastes 4:12