These days, it is extremely difficult to find a true community. Most people only care about themselves and what benefits them the most. It is rare to find folks that truly care about you and are willing to go out of their way to help you.
This was the absolute truth at our old home. We had neighbors just feet away from our front door, and I honestly believe only one of them would inconvenience themselves to help us at all. The rest would just go about their lives not caring to even get to know us. Others would go out of their way to avoid us. It was definitely not a community.
That all changed when we moved. Our neighbors are whole yards away but still take the time to bring us fresh produce from their gardens or drive us an hour out of their way to get us needed support. The level of care we have received here in the last two and a half months is astronimical in comparison to our last neighborhood.
There was one instance where we were in the market for a new riding mower for our much larger yard, and our neighbor took it upon himself to talk to the only mower shop in town to ensure we got a good deal.
It is a small town. One where everyone knows each other. There is no hiding, there are no secrets. It is not for those who wish to remain secluded and isolated. However, it is a true community.
It is a community that not only fights hard, but it fights together. There is currently a plan to build a corporate campground in a historic area, and the residents are collectively trying to stop the build. They all believe in preserving the history and beauty of the land in danger, but more importantly their arguments include the negative impact the development with have on their neighbors. They do not make the conflict about their best interest, but rather it is about the interest of the entire community.
We feel this level of commitment right at our own house as well. We can comfortably go into town or on an adventure and know that our neighbors will watch our home without any second thought. We would absolutely do the same for them. That symbiotic relationship is what communities need to succeed and thrive. Without that basic human decency of watching out for each other, rather than looking out for one's self, the community would collapse and chaos would ensue.
This mentality does not stop at our neighbors. When we first arrived and went shopping for new furniture, the sales lady invited us to a barbecue after we spent a couple hours getting to know each other.
We even started getting to know the local businesses that have stands at the weekly farmer's market. We are learning so much about the area, such as what dangers to watch out for, and the best swimming holes.
The hospitality is endless. If the world were to collapse, I truly believe this community we found would come together to ensure everyone had what they needed. It is a refreshing sensation to know we are genuinely cared for by so many. I am forever thankful for those who are taking us in as one of their own.
Comments