Learning to Lean - By Meryl McKean

As a child I was tall, taller than most of my friends, so I developed the habit of stooping a little. If I’d been born in a different generation, I might have been made to walk around balancing a book on my head to improve my posture, thankfully I wasn't. These days I don’t feel so tall – I have 2 sons, both over 6ft so that puts a different perspective on things.
I’ve been thinking about leaning in another sense. In our culture independence is encouraged, often fought for. We like to go it alone, we often hear people speak of their achievements as if it was all down to them. I, like many, don’t find it easy to ask for help.  I understand as I see the elderly clinging on to their independence when it is no longer safe to go it alone.  
As writers it is all too easy to be in our own little ‘writers world’. We dream of writing that breakthrough piece, and we don’t always touch the world of other writers. This can so easily diminish our achievements.
Since joining ACW, I have increasingly seen the benefits of leaning on others and learning from them. Leaning is not a weakness it is a strength. I belong to the zoom writing group ‘Hopefully Devoted’ where we read each other’s devotionals, give feedback and discuss related topics. I have found it incredibly helpful. It is great to connect with others with a similar focus and to receive feedback from my work. In addition I have really benefitted from the questions addressed that I would never have thought to ask. We are from many different church backgrounds so it is helpful to hear that what may sound fine to me, could cause problems for others. 
Spiritually too leaning can be where we find our strength. In Ch 8 v 5 of Song of Songs it speaks of the woman coming out of the wilderness leaning on her beloved. This can be seen to represent Jesus and our posture in walking with him. In leaning physically, we change the centre of balance as we lean, and we gain our strength, pace and direction from Him. It is a privilege both to lean and be lent on as I try to keep my stature firmly resting on my Heavenly Father.

                 'Who is this coming up from the wilderness leaning on her beloved?'
                                                                                        Song of Songs 8 v 5

Bio

Meryl McKean loves writing devotionals and poems and has had a few articles published over the years as well as using her writing in her work. She wants her writing to be a tool which helps others draw closer to God. She is married to Andy and lives in Bedford where she loves exploring the countryside with her camera in hand. Her day job as a member of her church staff leadership team is full of challenges and opportunities.