Last week, one of our neighbors (and when I say neighbor… I mean good people in my rural area who don’t necessarily live right next door) had a barn/shop fire at their off-grid ranch which took out the building that housed their power generator and solar panel batteries for the house and well, their freezers full of all their meat and produce, grain for all of their animals and all the horse tack that they had been accumulating for years.
To say it was devastating is an understatement.
Although this was very upsetting, the fire did not spread to any other buildings or their house and most importantly none of the family were injured or hurt… which is a blessing.
My husband and I stopped by last weekend to offer support and give a hug and what we heard from our friend touched my heart… neighbors from far and wide in our community have reached out to help where they can… either monetarily or with replacement equipment, supplies and new baby chicks!
This is what good neighbors do.
We have had some bad experiences with neighbors in the past and have been hesitant to get to know some of the people in our rural community, since we moved out here, because of those experiences. In the last three years, we have had such amazing interactions with some of our neighbors that we are slowly opening up to the supportive community vibe that we have going on out here.
This whole event got me to thinking more about the power of community and being kind or maybe if you are already kind… to be even kinder!
In moments of crisis, kindness isn’t just a nice gesture—it’s essential. It’s the extra firewood dropped off to keep a family warm. It’s the fresh eggs and home-cooked meals delivered with a hug. It’s the offer to help rebuild, repair, or simply sit and listen. It’s the reminder that even in the hardest moments, no one has to go through it alone.
And the beautiful thing? It doesn’t have to take a tragedy to bring this level of care into our daily lives. What if we made this kind of generosity and support part of our everyday rhythm? Checking in on a neighbor just because. Sharing resources, knowledge, or a little extra of what we have. Lending a hand when it’s needed—or even before it’s asked for.
Sometimes, being part of a community means showing up in big ways—replacing equipment, rebuilding structures, or donating to help someone get back on their feet. Other times, it’s in the small moments. A smile at the grocery store. A thoughtful gesture. A warm meal delivered without being asked. These small kindnesses, stacked together, create a foundation of love and support that makes life richer for all of us.
When we show up for each other in these ways, we weave a stronger, more resilient community—one where no one feels alone in their struggles, and where we celebrate the good times together, too.
Community isn’t just about geography—it’s about connection. It’s about knowing that when the unexpected happens, people will be there to catch you. It’s about being that person for someone else, too.
So maybe today is a good day to reach out. To check in. To offer help. To be even kinder.
Because in the end, the strength of a community isn’t just about how we come together in hard times—it’s about how we care for each other, every single day.
Much love
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