I miss porching. I used to live next to neighbors who porched all the time. I had an open invitation to join them and for two years did so almost every night. It was a great way to unwind, talk about the day, play great music and sometimes even dance.

Today, my regular walks do their best to make up for the stress relieving qualities of porching. For the past four months I have a regular path I take and on that path I typically see a couple on their front porch looking east, often with a small child playing in the front yard.

Their front porch is quite small, but they squeezed in two lawn chairs, side by side.

I see them at all times of the morning and evening. Sometimes, just the father is left with their daughter after the mom is gone to work. Sometimes, I see the mother alone when the father’s pickup is gone.

They are kind and sometimes see me and wave. But most of the time they are engaged in each other, or looking at their phones, side by side.

I have been happy with the results of my walking. I seldom feel lonely. I tend to be a hibernator and enjoy going solo. But I also wonder if that porching couple may not live longer than I will because they have each other.

I come from a family of hibernators. We all seem to enjoy our alone time. But I also greatly enjoy the time I get to spend with my family and friends.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 ESV

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

One thing I know for certain, I am not alone on this journey. I depend on the encouragement and love of many, especially those who joined me by taking their own journeys. I am thankful for you. I am grateful for your company.

And you are always welcome to join me on my back porch.