It was the best of times, it was the worst of times

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair,” writes Charles Dickens in A Tale of Two Cities, referring to the time of the French Revolution. Published for the first time in 1859, Dickens’ historical fiction, regularly cited as the best-selling novel of all time, could just as easily have relevance to the year 2020.

It was the year that will be remembered for years to come as the one which brought the world and its people to a standstill. Leaving streets, markets, theatres, schools and sport fields usually alive with the sound of banter and people empty. Without that which makes us human – community.

Never again will we take for granted the Monday rush to get our children to school in time. The weekly staff meeting with colleagues sitting across the boardroom table. A late lunch on a Saturday afternoon with a dear friend. A church service on a Sunday and the holy communion with fellow believers. Human touch.

It was the year that shook the foundation of what we always perceived as a given, taken for granted. It brought a sense of loss, anxiety, stress and fear. In this extraordinary year the articles were each chosen with a very specific goal – to act as a guide to heal, to cope, to start fresh, stronger and more resilient. My hope and prayer are that you find that which you need the most.