Reflection is good for the soul. It allows you to see where youve been and hopefully chart a better course on where youre going. During the Thanksgiving holiday I took the time to contemplate my early life in the small community where I grew up.
Located in northwestern Kansas, Seguin was a small farm/ranch community of approximately 50 hearty souls. It was located in Sheridan County, three miles south of Highway 24 and the Union Pacific railroad used to run through our small village.
Seguin was a community where families were raised and principles good and sometimes bad were instilled. Looking back, those fortunate enough to grow up there like I did in the 50s and 60s were surrounded by people with core values that helped guide us throughout our lives.
At the top of this list of virtues my community provided was spiritual in nature. A spiritual quality like, seek ye first this kingdom of God and his righteousness and all things shall be given unto you.
Next, was the courtesy level of our town. This was measured by the ordinary civilities a total stranger could expect. Residents of Seguin and the outlying community always welcomed family and friends back for special events many centered around our church and its congregation.
Transient laborers, especially during wheat, milo and corn harvest, were also treated well because of their valuable contributions during these critical periods.
Rootedness or a sense of commitment on the part of a towns people was another cornerstone in our little community. Dependent on the fertile, sandy loam soil of the High Plains, Seguins families lived by the unspoken agreement that this was a place to stay, put down roots and build a family, a farm, a business and a future.
Diversity not necessarily in the form of many nationalities but rather in the form of creative disagreement was another building block in our community. This meant our little town enjoyed a certain confidence that all its inhabitants didnt have to echo one another in order to make progress.
On the contrary, a community, like a country, can profit by its differences.
Loyalty was the fifth attribute our community was blessed with. Loyalty is often confused with conformity, though the two are really opposites.
It is precisely loyalty to the community, to posterity and to principle that moves a citizen not to conform. A dissenter may never be so loyal as when refusing to go along quietly.
Pride in our little burg was also readily apparent. Self respect may be a better word for this civic virtue. It has to do with much more than clean streets, green lawns and painted buildings. It also explains good schools, honest law enforcement and other amenities that make for a proud, self respecting community.
Sometimes in the rush of every day life we forget to live by such values. Know your neighbors, coworkers and the members of your community. And, yes, its all right to argue and disagree with them about what is best for the community.
What is important is to care about your community. Think of its best interests and dont let your mind be diverted by lesser concerns or scattered holdings.
Just like the little community I grew up in and the family and neighbors who helped shape who I am today, each of us live in communities that have values and fine traditions to uphold. Be part of yours.
