Today was a day of going deeper into fostering friendships here in my “new” hometown. Having relocated here when the pandemic was in high gear last summer, I’ve only been stepping out fully for a month or two. I’m still getting used to being able to socialize again and focusing it on growing local friendships, hopefully meaningful ones and ones where there is a common perspective on Spirit and metaphysics.

I had decided to take the 90-minute drive north to Flagstaff, AZ to accomplish some shopping related to outdoor activities. I let my small women’s group know in case anyone was interested in a road trip—I saw it as a way to spend some time outside of our bi-monthly meetings to get to know one another deeper. Two women planned to join me, but unfortunately this morning one was feeling ill and had to cancel.

Laure joined me on today’s adventure and we started off with driving a different route than I was accustomed to, that I didn’t even know about, and that she had suggested. It was a lovely, scenic drive. I was most aware of the contribution that being with others brings: friends expand my world, in small and large ways. What a delight!

We shopped, and Laure’s input based on her wider experience in kayaking and hiking than I have helped me to purchase the right equipment. I was most grateful, again realizing how my life is enriched by others.

Laure is limited in her driving capacity but likes to travel and explore. So, in turn, by my driving, I enabled her to engage in her interests. Also, as she is new to AZ in general, I introduced her to two dining venues, where we leisurely lunched and then enjoyed coffee and dessert. We had a plentiful amount of time to chat and get to know one another more.

Perhaps it’s from being isolated for so long, but in today’s adventures, I was so aware of the exchange that occurs between people, the growth we spur on for others, the support and kindness that is so easy to offer. It’s such a win-win experience. No doubt life is better with friends.

And, Spirit is within the midst of it all. Sharing from the heart, listening to one another, supporting one another, all point to the love that is Spirit and that is in each of us. What a demonstration that each of us is from Love, is Love. May I always put Love into action with each person and being I encounter.