I was just in the neighborhood. . .

It was well past the normal lunch hour, but I was hungry.  I also needed a break from the presentation I had been working on.

I started walking toward the bus an I realized how close I was to a friend of mine who lives near that coffee shop. I thought: well, I'm sure he's eaten lunch already. . figuring there was no point in calling.

But! I have started taking more initiative in relationships.  They take continual care and attention - even just a call to ask if someone is available creates some small connection and all of these add up to a strong one. These are what matter in life.

So, I called and left a message, and he texted me back before listening to the message.  I had left a somewhat complicated message, but my text was simple - "I 'm hungry and in your 'hood. Wanna have lunch?"

He had eaten lunch but he was relaxin' on his back porch and invited me to join him.  I picked up some food at the grocery store and did just that.  The sun was out, the air smelled good, and his cat was chasing birds.

All felt right in the world.