Helping local is something we all can do
Watching the leaves gently fall off a tree after a hard freeze offers an opportunity to reflect.
Regardless of what goes on with your family, state, country, or world, Mother Nature shows us the value of time and when she puts the hard brakes on, she knows it is time for trees to go into a winter mode and growth is put on pause.
When watching the leaves land on the ground, one must briefly wonder if the tree will add new leaves and yet in spring Mother Nature—as if on cue—does her magic.
As November rolls on, Thanksgiving and the official drive to Christmas begins.
One of my favorite mottos has been to shop local. Why? Because many merchants in the expansive High Plains employ many people who contribute to local communities and schools. Merchants collect sales taxes, and they pay property taxes that fund local and state government.
As humans we have the capacity to help others, and I would also add a new motto—”help local.” As we pass the midway point of fall, the weather change sheds a light on the importance of heat and food. While the federal and state government control major purse strings on helping families, there can be a gap and that has been illuminated in the news this past month.
In a recent phone call with a long-time friend who asked inquisitively, “what are we to do?”
One conclusion we both agreed was that doing nothing is not helping the situation. Prayer can be a powerful motivator to not only ask the Lord to help, but to motivate us to look for ways—even small paths—to make a difference.
Many local food pantries, churches, schools, and the Salvation Army have led the way in rural communities with events that can benefit others. If your budget is tight, start with one can of food, or look to donate a coat, gloves, stocking cap, or clothes, that can give hope to fellow citizens who lack the wellbeing to take care of themselves.
At the local level, that spark makes a difference. All one has to do is talk to a director or volunteer at a food pantry who will say that the needs are far more hidden because pride of citizens who fear the stigma or they are isolated from families and friends. However, the gift of hope can occur from a local stranger who chooses to give with no strings attached.
We must never shy away from our willingness to help others in difficult times. But like the tree that sheds its leaves, it is only temporary, and a new season will arrive in spring with new hope and growth. Helping local provides hope and that well never runs dry.
Dave Bergmeier can be reached at 620-227-1822 or [email protected].
