As I was getting into my car, a neighbor who was driving by slowed to a stop and rolled down his window.

“Hey. I think you have a tail light out. I saw it when I passed yesterday. Wanted to make sure you knew.”

I didn’t know, and I was quite glad to learn of it.

* * *

How do we build community? How do we cultivate a thoughtful, caring society?

It starts with simple acts of kindness. Seeing where we can help ... and then helping.

Sometimes it just means speaking up and having a friendly conversation with a neighbor.