Community
*This post was originally written and shared in November 2020 - I have not made any changes, except for updated Bright Country Nights photos from 2022; there will be some “timeline” references that may not coincide with today, but the main point is still just as important and relevant. Enjoy! *
Community > noun > a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals.
If 2020 has taught us anything {besides being kind and gracious} is that the local community is so much more important than the amount of “Likes” or “Shares” we receive on any platform. And the support of the local community starts with those willing to give their time {our greatest asset} to keep that community thriving.
For the last few years, I have lent my hand to a very specific community event and while the majority of my “service” is from this side of the screen, my greatest joy is simply having the opportunity to attend the Bright Country Nights Holiday Light Show. This new holiday tradition is something my boys will talk about days after driving through the lit-up displays and just being able to go as a family is a huge treat as there are still few events that are “enjoyable” with a toddler {wink}.
And what I have come to cherish more than words can say, is the amount of behind-the-scenes work that is done freely in the hopes of bringing and keeping this Central Montana community together. You see, if you are not from Central Montana you may not quite understand, but this community is made of up several small towns surrounding a slightly larger town; while there are always seasons of competitiveness within the smaller towns, these individual smaller communities will drop everything to help out the larger community as a whole.
From medical fundraisers to supporting those organizations that keep our kids active in expanding their horizons; the Central Montana community has each other’s backs. And now, more than ever, we learn how important that is. Shopping local has become more important than finding the best deal. Going to great lengths to attend “virtual” events to offer support when binge-watching our favorite show would be simpler. Showing up, safely, when those opportunities present themselves, instead of avoiding what would once be the “main event” because the risk of a failing community is greater than the discomfort of visiting through a mask.
We alone can do so little; together we can do so much. ~ Helen Keller
As my kids are getting older and will be more involved in community-centered activities it has become glaringly aware of how much I took those same opportunities for granted in the past. Most especially the people behind them and a lot of those same people are still spear-heading these events and are continually coming up with ways to keep the community working together.
Why is it they work so hard to keep it all going? I’ve often wondered that, but reliving my past {easily done since becoming a part of this community as an adult} has helped me to become aware of how much of a role this community, its events, and those behind-the-scenes workers helped to shape me as I grew up here.
One name is often at the fore-front of my mind when I think of community and while she is the brains behind the Bright Country Nights committee, she also had a very big role in my growing-up years.
Being a neighbor to your 4H club leader, who also happened to work at the Extension Office, and best friends with your mom {who also always has a hand in community centered activities} made for lots of volunteer opportunities — I use the word “volunteer” loosely, here. Volunteering was not at the top of my list of priorities! But looking back, I am so grateful for the experience I learned and the relationships I was able to form because I was slightly forced into volunteering.
Jennifer’s love for her community is so evident in her hard work and willingness to try new ways to bring people together. To help kids learn how to get out of their comfort zones and to discover new things about the world, but also themselves as they are able to participate in activities that she has helped organize. Her commitment to kids in general is a beautiful thing and how that overflows to bringing our communities together, to work together and to support each other is amazing to behold. I am so very grateful that I can be a part of her team.
I have learned how important community is from people like Jen and my mom and many others, who selflessly give their time and effort and talents to keeping this community — the one I grew up in, and that helped to mold me — striving towards togetherness and unity. They give a wonderful example of how coming alongside one another can solve a myriad of issues and in the very least will forge relationships that will be there to call on when it’s your turn to ask for help.
I know this season we’re experiencing has made having community events more difficult, but can we agree that there are still ways to support it? Can we agree that there is so much more to community than having to “spend money,” but it is about coming together to not only make the environment or town better but to make each other better. To come alongside each other and at times lift each other up and ultimately to help us remember that with community we do not have to face anything alone.
