Small Town Skyline –

Thoughts on Life – 2/11/2024

My husband and I, Dearly Beloved, just got back from a quick trip to Kansas to attend the funeral of his aunt.

No extra time to play or tour, but major time with loved family. Emotions. Memories. Tears. Laughter. Many hugs.

When we visited Dearly Beloved's uncle and aunt years ago for their business's 50th anniversary, we were so impressed with their servant's heart for and in support of the community. Very involved in many aspects of the town.

And this funeral service celebrating the same aunt was no different. Again, very caring and involved in the community.

But in addition to that, she was very involved in individual people's lives. Giving. Caring. Praying. Serving.

They were business people. Parents who raised five kids, and now I forgot how many grandkids and great-grandkids! Busy.

But never too busy to help. To faithfully attend and support their church and other businesses. Even a business that was in the same line of work!

All made me think.

We are all busy. Many things to do. Places, games, sports events, work related conferences, family events, holidays to share.

This year I am holding my very first book launch party. Not online. At a coffee shop! I want to include the community somehow and I think we have a way.

What if I contacted every business that I can: whether it's farm implements, hospital, diner, library, home business? Whatever. And asked them for coupons, announcements, events, that we could promote at the book launch.

Farm implements at a book launch? Sure! they have been very generous when I take a grandson there to shop for a birthday gift.

What other ways can we support our communty? Shop local.

We have a newly relocated thrift shop. Shop local.

We have a restaurant that serves the best cheeseburgers in the county. Eat local.

The best selection of farm toys in the state, mind you, is at the farm implement dealer! Shop local!

When we are generous with our money, our purchases, our time, God returns it back on us–many times over.

I've lived that. I've received that.

He is faithful. He has the ultimate Servant's Heart, right?