Passion runs deep in Sedona.

Residents pick a cause and devote what sometimes seems to be their entire existence to advancing their interests.

Sedona passion also often creates conflict and can degrade the fabric of the community.

We all get caught up in it to some extent. We try to listen to both sides and navigate the onslaught of information — some of which is actual fact and most of which is opinion.

In this flood of championing causes, some of the small and much more important things in life can be lost.

While printing election story after election story, and Sedona Fire District story after Sedona Fire District story, I’m always happy to place a photograph or story in the newspaper illustrating a positive aspect of the community.

Photographer Tom Hood’s pictures from the Halloween party at Kindred Transitional Care and Rehabilitation Kachina Point on Thursday, Oct. 27, on Page 4B in today’s edition of the Sedona Red Rock News are a perfect example of a community’s framework.

Young children dressed in costumes visited residents of the retirement home to trick-or-treat bringing together two of Sedona’s distant generations.

Smiles are visible on the faces of the young and old alike as they enjoy each other’s company.

One of the most beautiful elements of the picture is its depiction of two generations not concerned with any of the issues consuming the majority of the area’s population.

They aren’t worried about taxes, highway ownership or who serves on which board and what his or her political affiliation may be.

Instead, their passion is directed at human interaction and creating happiness in others. The children bring joy to the seniors by simply dressing up and showing up to spend time with them. The seniors make the children happy by admiring their costumes and expressing genuine interest in what they have to say.

I think we could all take a lesson from the attendees of the Kachina Point Halloween party. Regardless of our age, history, beliefs or ideals, we can all find ways to make someone else’s life a little bit better.

As the holiday season rapidly approaches, it’s time to lay down our swords, even if just for a few moments, and remember what it means to be part of a community.