When You Love Your Community and The Kindness Of Neighbors
When you love your community it contributes to your happiness and well-being. You knew that, right? The opposite is true, too. If you don’t like where you reside then it can weigh on you heavily. I’ve been in both situations but when we moved to this farm and this tiny community, I felt as if this was where I was meant to be. I have written about small town life before but this story is different.
Someone Else’s Eyes
We live in Kentucky, in the country where the roads are crooked and the fields are dotted with cattle or crops. It is a beautiful, scenic place no matter which season it might be.
A year or so ago some folks moved here and one day while I was making spaghetti sauce (which I scorched) they stopped by to visit. They were so excited to be a part of our community and couldn’t stop talking about how nice all the neighbors were.
“If we are outside 9 out of 10 people that drive by either honk or wave and smile. That never happened where we lived before,” they told me. Their enthusiasm was touching and I really enjoyed talking with them, even if I did scorch my spaghetti sauce. Ever since then I always make sure I smile, wave and honk when I drive by their house.
Another Reminder
Recently an incident happened at the church we attend. A couple who sit behind me reminded me again of the importance of kindness. This couple has visited our church maybe 5 or 6 times and I love talking to them. They moved here from a town up north and while I don’t remember what city it was, I do remember what the gentleman said about living here.
“We lived in the city for 15 years and we didn’t know the people next door or across the road from us. We’ve been here a little over a year and we’ve got more friends than we can count.”
I watched his face light up as he continued.
“In this area if someone needs help with something, we help them. If I need help with something, all I have to do is ask and they help me.”
He paused and I could tell he was collecting his thoughts so I kept quiet.
“I’m not really a very educated person,” he said, “So it’s hard for me to find the words to describe how we feel about this place. The only word I can come up with is ‘blessed.’ “
I told him that was a very good word and that we felt blessed to know them. And I meant it.
One More Thing About When You Love Your Community
Just last week my husband went to our small discount store and when he got in line to pay for his items he realized he didn’t have his billfold. He told the cashier he didn’t have his debit card but he could write her a check. He did and then she asked him for his driver’s license.
“It’s in my billfold that I left at home,” he answered.
Before he knew what was happening a lady handed him $40 and said, “Let me get that for you.” He tried to tell her no but she wouldn’t take that for an answer. So he wrote her a check for the $40 and thanked her profusely. It happened to be a lady I had in class many years ago who lives just down the road from us.
When You Love Your Community (Even if it’s not perfect)
I know that this is not Mayberry. I suspect there aren’t any towns that are devoid of crime or poverty any more. I also know that our community has its share of problems. But as I thought about all the things I just related, I realize that too often I take for granted the good people who are my friends and neighbors. And FYI-You don’t have to live close to one another to be a neighbor.
Today in my daily prayers I’m giving thanks for every smidge of kindness that comes our way. The world is a crazy place these days and it’s too easy to overlook the good and see only the bad.
Concentrate on kindness. Strive to give it and to remember those who give it to you. I’m going to and I hope you will too.
What’s been good in your life lately? Share it with us and give thanks for the good in the world!
