This month our town had its annual Burger Week, and we thoroughly enjoyed it. A number of restaurants get together each year and offer custom versions of a hamburger, special just for the week, to compete for fan favorite honors. (And for those of us who like crossing things off lists, there is even a Passport to collect stamps for a prize drawing.) The combination of hamburgers, exploring new flavors, and eating out — hand-in-hand with the opportunity to support local businesses — is a win-win in our book. Oh, and have I ever mentioned that we are strong fans of beef? I know, right? What a week!

This particular opportunity was certainly served up with a bow for this household, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy life in ways unique to you, while at the same time blessing your community with the same activity. The economy takes all of us working together. The community needs all of its members in many different roles, living and blessing each other. When you harvest all that squash or all those tomatoes, someone has to eat it. When you go to the local craft fair or farmers market, someone worked hard for that homemade jam or handmade sign. These examples are all beautiful blends, the give-and-take of neighbors loving neighbors. We can’t individually do it all, but all together we can.

It is beautiful and healthy to lift our gaze from all the daily tasks to occasionally consider how our actions can benefit ourselves and others. Love your neighbors as you love yourself.