Walking Together

I love the people who I live with. They are the most incredible group of people who welcome with open arms and open hearts. The best part of my day today was going out for coffee with one of the core members here.

The best part of going out with this man is his incredible sense of trust in whoever he's with. He doesn't see as well as many of us do, but he sees so much more than most of us. When you begin to walk he reaches out his arm in an invitation to walk with him. It is more incredible than anything else.

In life, there is so rarely an invitation to walk with someone. We have become so independent and value the ability to stand on our own more than the ability to reach out to each other. There are so few people in the world who can reach out an open hand to hold onto another. It is mostly children and lovers who can reach out a hand to be held. When others do so, they are seen to be weak.

I have learned this summer that walking together is the most rewarding thing. I tended to walk alone for the most part before this summer. It was easier to make decisions based solely on what I want to do as opposed to what two people want to do or more. I have begun to take steps this summer with someone by my side. It's an interesting experience to live like that. I have to admit that I hope it continues.

Walking together is no longer a sign of weakness. In a time when strength is only pushy and egotistical, it is weakness and the ability to reach out that shows true strength.