Jorjanne My family and I have been blown away by the kindness and encouragement shown to us since my car accident on August 11. I cannot count the cards mailed to me, I’ve had more flowers delivered to me than I’ve received my entire life, and I’m going to forget how to cook because so many people have cooked dinner for my family or even sent gift cards to some of our favorite restaurants! I am so grateful.
Sometimes, it’s easy to forget why I love this small town we live in. Yes, everybody knows your name and your mama and daddy’s name, and where you’re supposed to be and not supposed to be, and pretty much anything else about your business. And yes, sometimes, when news is slow, it seems folks make stuff up just to have something to talk about. There are plenty of times when I just want to get out and see the world, or at least someplace bigger than this.
What I’ve experienced the last few weeks, though, I would never have known in a big city. The community I’ve felt is a result of more than just living close to one another. As a matter of fact, my neighbors here live much farther away than neighbors in a big city would. My husband and I, as well as our families, have spent years investing in our community - our town, our churches, our businesses, our schools, even other families and friends.
Sometimes, it’s easy to forget why I love this small town we live in. Yes, everybody knows your name and your mama and daddy’s name, and where you’re supposed to be and not supposed to be, and pretty much anything else about your business. And yes, sometimes, when news is slow, it seems folks make stuff up just to have something to talk about. There are plenty of times when I just want to get out and see the world, or at least someplace bigger than this.
What I’ve experienced the last few weeks, though, I would never have known in a big city. The community I’ve felt is a result of more than just living close to one another. As a matter of fact, my neighbors here live much farther away than neighbors in a big city would. My husband and I, as well as our families, have spent years investing in our community - our town, our churches, our businesses, our schools, even other families and friends.
Now, it’s our turn to receive from our community. And, I have to admit, it’s been hard. I would much rather be in the kitchen preparing someone’s plate or even singing songs of praise with the children in our church than to have someone else serving me. Yet, I feel certain that is one of the lessons God is trying to teach me through this experience. I’ve read and heard the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet many times and always felt convicted to serve others. What I’ve never thought about though, is the fact that the disciples had to allow Jesus to serve them. I have spent quite a lot of my life serving Jesus by serving others, but it is much more difficult to allow Jesus to serve me through others serving me.
Even if you are not a Christian, the community spirit of a small town rings true in times of crisis. People draw closer together and take care of each other. Particularly, here in the South, we feed each other - guess that’s our love language! We all have our problems, and so many times we don’t get it right, but when someone is in a time of need, I love how our small town reacts and helps one another out.
Even if you are not a Christian, the community spirit of a small town rings true in times of crisis. People draw closer together and take care of each other. Particularly, here in the South, we feed each other - guess that’s our love language! We all have our problems, and so many times we don’t get it right, but when someone is in a time of need, I love how our small town reacts and helps one another out.
That is what community is all about. At some point in time, everyone will find themselves being served rather than serving. Whether it’s broken bones like mine, or broken hearts, lost loved ones or lost jobs, you will always find someone better off than you and someone worse off than you. Allow those who are in a better place right now to serve you. Then be sure to pay it forward later on by serving someone else. Community is found not only in a place, but more importantly, in people. I am so thankful for my community!
If you enjoy blessing others with the gift of food, join our Recipe Club for access to all of our southern recipes!
If you enjoy blessing others with the gift of food, join our Recipe Club for access to all of our southern recipes!
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