Every morning, a friend of mine who lives on Canandaigua Lake wakes before dawn, sets up his camera, and, when the time is just right, snaps a picture of the sunrise. Then, he shares that picture with his family and friends on Facebook.
He's made countless people smile with these photos...the people who've commented to say so, as well as those who see it, smile quietly to themselves, and keep going on with their day.
It's a simple practice, with a big return: Each day, he gives everyone who sees his sunrise photo a bit of hope.
Hope is contagious
Amongst the fear, the uncertainty, and the loss that's being experienced around the world right now, there is something else going on:
An incredible outpouring of people giving.
In obvious ways: The doctors and nurses showing up on the frontlines, caring for the ill. The teachers quickly pivoting their plans to make sure kiddos can learn from home — and the parents making it happen, amongst other obligations. The grocery store employees showing up every day to keep shelves stocked and lines running.
And in the not-so-obvious ways: My friend who posts the sunrise picture each morning. Another friend of mine who's doing a morning art practice on Facebook Live for all to watch. Yet another friend who's lighting up mailboxes with notes from her toddler daughter.
Giving doesn't come without a cost — those who give get tired. It's hard work. It can be overwhelming. It can be draining, particularly if we haven't given enough to ourselves, first.
And yet...
Giving replenishes the reserves
When we view the cost of giving as an investment — an investment in the hope that will come back to us when we give — it's well worth it.
When the communities stop what they're doing, throw open the windows, and salute healthcare workers at 7 p.m. each night, we know there's hope.
When a pre-med student immediately mobilizes an army of people to become "Shopping Angels", we know there's hope.
When public figures like Oprah, Lebron James, and President and Michelle Obama organize virtual commencements to celebrate the graduating class of 2020 across the nation, we know there's hope.
Giving inspires love. It inspires compassion. It inspires gratitude.
And most of all, it replenishes hope.
We don't all have medical training. Or platforms of thousands of people. Or millions in the bank to donate.
But we do all have gifts to share with others.
Your presence is a gift. Your gratitude is a gift. Your creativity is a gift.
Every time you give, you give hope.
And you get hope, in return.
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P.S. A simple way to spread hope: Send a card. I've made one you can print off to mail here.