Focal verse
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it” (Proverbs 3:27).
Reflection
Every fall, our town of Cole Camp, Mo., is transformed for an annual fair. Over three days, the fair brings together the youngest to the oldest neighbors, new residents to lifelong community members, and everyone in between. Students are out of school. Friends and family who have moved away come back to celebrate. There’s burgers and corn dogs, rides, parades, games and exhibitions.
Perhaps the best part of the fair, though, is sharing the events together as a community. Over the years at the fair, I’ve shared with friends the solidarity of our kids being overstimulated. We’ve cheered and waved as our loved ones drove by on parade floats. We’ve marveled at the parade entries and congratulated friends when they proudly told us of their blue ribbons. We’ve slid and spun on rides. We’ve served burgers and handed out drinks.
I know Cole Camp isn’t the only town that has a fair or deep pride in their rural roots. Across the country, people invest in their towns. Community members ask, how can we bring hope and peace to where we live? How can we make a difference?
With the start of a new school year, I’m thinking about investing in the communities we find ourselves in right now. Who are the people and places that could use your support or a kind word? Where can you offer your talents? Perhaps you could read with children in your local school or volunteer at the library. An organization may be looking for drivers to deliver meals to older members of your community. Maybe there’s an upcoming fair in your town that you can enjoy and will help you get to know neighbors you haven’t met.
Our communities are ripe for opportunities to serve our neighbors. When the world’s challenges feel insurmountable, start small. Be where your feet are and share God’s love.
Practices
- Leave notes of hope and encouragement around your community. You could chalk encouraging messages on sidewalks or leave notes in library books. Some messages could include: You are loved. You’re doing great. Thanks for being here.
- Walk around your community and visit a store, a restaurant or a park you haven’t been to before. Greet the owners and workers or say hello to the people also visiting. Be a smiling presence to those in your community.
Prayer practice
Take a prayer walk as a family. Walk out your front door and around your neighborhood or city streets. Keep your eyes open. Pray for the people in the houses you pass. Pray for community members. Give thanks for creation. See if there’s a need you could meet. Maybe a park needs to be repainted or cleaned up. Perhaps a neighbor could use help cleaning their home or getting groceries. Be open to the Spirit.
Pray together at the beginning or end of your walk: Dear God, we thank you for this community and this place you have placed us in. Help us to see our neighbors as you see us: loved children of God. Help us to reach out to those in need with a kind word or smile. Help us to be peacemakers. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
