“I’m much obliged, Ma’am.”

I’ve been thinking about his statement. It’s something we don’t hear too often anymore. We just say, “Thank you” and move on our merry way. But think about the words, “I’m much obliged.”

Obliged … HMMM!

It would seem that the word “obliged” would have to be related to the word “obligated” … huh?

In our modern culture, that word certainly has a negative conotation. Obligated? That means HAVE to do something … I don’t want to be told to do any thing.

However, if you think about it, in the culture of the cowboy,

it wasn’t an obligation that he was speaking of. Actually, it was an honor. People gave with a sense of honor and others received what was given with great appreciation … So much so … They wanted to give back. Thus, the saying, “I’m much obliged to you.”

So, here’s my point … what I am calling for … Remember, this blog site is a relocation/hill country community site. The assumption is that people are looking to relocate to the hill country and trying to decide where. So, I’m heralding the relocation cry for a new (or maybe old) kind of people.

WANTED! COMMUNITY MINDED PEOPLE LOOKING TO CULTIVATE A KINDLER, GENTLER WORLD!

Community is defined in the American Heritage Dictionary as “a group of people living in the same locality, … having common interests … the same identity … sharing, participation and fellowship.” It implies 1st) We know eachother, 2nd) We care for one another (e.g., honor) and 3rd) We desire the success of ALL. That means the current American mindset of “survival of the fittest” just has to go. Self seeking at another’s expense just doesn’t fit in a kindler, gentler world.

Regardless of whether you choose the Hill Country or not as your place of relocation (community), think about cultivating a kindler, gentler world where ever you may be.

But if you do end up here, I say,

“WELCOME TO OUR COMMUNITY!”