My eyesight has not been perfect for many decades but I can at least look back after this strangest of years with 2020 vision! We think we are in control of our lifes, especially in our technological culture, but a microscopic virus has shown us just how tenuous the reality of that supposition actually is.
2020 for me has been many things: the flexibility of an office at home but missing colleagues; enjoying the quiet and walks of the Spring lockdown; remembering to have a mask at all times; VE day celebrations; living a virtual existence; weekly claps for the NHS; looking at the stats then seeing Covid affect people I know. The weariness of the 2nd wave; a WhatsApp Christmas. The good and the bad on parallel lines.
In the middle of all this I was 60. And 60@60 started! A friend I hear from occasionally texted me recently and said that it must have been a really bad year to do this. Well, yes but not really!
While I am very tired, there have been so many good things. The Pilgrims Way was a real adventure that took me to many amazing places and physically stretched me to my limits. And another 50 miles through Kent to complete in Spring. The stay on Holy Island was a real blessing. I took a step of faith with the calendar and people wanted one. And many more activities-guitar lessons; recipes; a half-marathon; bird spotting. Yes, restrictions have made things more difficult but God is good. Most of all you have helped raise £2 750 so far for Open Doors, 45% of the £6 000 target. And that has helped people around the world who desperately need it. THANK YOU for your generosity, partnership and support in these hard times.
So as we say goodbye to 2020 and enter 2021, on one level things haven’t changed. But as we stand at the gate of the year, despite the difficulties and weariness, there is always hope. May I wish you and your loved ones a very Happy New Year.
Meanwhile, I look forward to bringing you new ideas in 2021 to support our persecuted family. The 60 day beard starts January 1st. With all the grey I shall look my age..!
Adrian@60 