Photo by chris jones

by Stephanie Toews, Executive Editor

 “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” 

 -Coretta Scott King

Shared Seasons

Life moves quickly, so fast that it can feel impossible to keep up. We fill our days chasing achievement and checking boxes, trying to be everything to everyone. But sometimes, productivity needs to take a back seat so we can carve out space for rest. To sit in the stillness of a quiet morning. To talk with a friend without an agenda. To listen for the still, small voice. To find simple ways to give of ourselves and intentionally carve out time for community.

We weren’t made to do life alone. We were made for togetherness. 

And as it turns out, there’s not much that’s actually social about social media. It can quietly undermine our contentment and steal our joy. When we measure our lives against someone else’s highlight reel, it’s easy to feel like we’re falling short. But what we don’t see are the sacrifices behind that vacation, the prayers behind that child, the quiet perseverance behind a dream finally taking shape. 

It can feel like we’re the only ones who don’t have life figured out. But the truth is, no one really does. We’re all carrying unseen burdens. It’s only when we peel back the layers and get real with each other that we find the sweet spot of life: in raw, honest moments of vulnerability. By showing up, sharing stories, carrying burdens, and offering encouragement right from where we are, we all have something to offer, but our gifts can’t make a difference unless we’re willing to step outside our carefully curated lives and engage with the world around us. 

In this issue, we celebrate the final days of summer and explore ways to carry its warmth and intention into the seasons ahead. You’ll meet individuals who refuse to let disability define or limit them. Instead, they use it as a kind of superpower, pouring into others and becoming the helpers our world so desperately needs. We also highlight practical ways to show up for our community through volunteering, generosity, and serving those on the margins, reminders that real impact often begins with the smallest acts of kindness. 

Let’s strive not just to sit back and partake, but to stop our scrolling, participate fully in loving our neighbors, and making a difference in our community and sphere of influence. Everyone has something to give. Everyone has a story worth sharing. Let’s take the time to listen. And as summer starts to wind down, may we be intentional about soaking in its final moments. There’s no better time than now to savor the season and share its warmth with those around us. 

Love,

Originally printed in the August 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

Read this article in the digital issue of Simply Local here!

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