What is wrong with the world today? Why are people so stressed? Why are we seeing so many emotional meltdowns around us? I have the answer. It is really quite simple. None of us are getting enough back porch time. When life is overwelming, I like to head to the back porch. I watch the squirrels in the back yard. I listen the birds. I write in my journal. I read a good book. I even write my best hand written letters, when I am sitting on the back porch.

Can you imagine how therapeutic it would be to grab a close friend, and share some space together on the back porch? There is something soothing about being outside together. Enjoying God’s creation on the porch threads our hearts together. It loosens our tongues in a good way, and we can talk about all sorts of things with true candor.

My lawn chairs still have their winter covers on them, and the leaves need to be swept off the porch.
And then I will be ready to have those closest to me join me out back. I am looking forward to the summer, because I will spend at least some of it out on the back porch, with those I love the most.
Stress will be released, meltdowns will be averted, and friendships will be fortified. I am thanking God today for the back porch.