Slowing Down This Giving Tuesday
Today is Tuesday March 31, 2020, a #GivingTuesday–the simple open-handed concept embraced by many (thanks for the reminder, Simple Greek). It’s admittedly something that we, in weeks’ past have found ourselves too preoccupied, too nonchalant, too indifferent to participate in consistently. In this, and in countless other ways, this Tuesday will be different. The ways in which the Coronavirus pandemic sweeping our nation will drive us to be different, think different, rest different, give different and love different, both in the moment and in the years to come, are yet to be seen. In slowing down enough to notice both the tulips blooming next door and the neighbor who resides within, we are awakened to a new and different way. For this we are thankful.
In this slowing down, we pray for those struggling with the virus, for their family members and for those taking care of our sick, bravely going to work each day to battle the unforeseen enemy among us. We pray for our dear friends in hospitality, affected by shut down or staying open to serve those who need a bed to rest. We pray for our government leaders, business leaders, household leaders and those who now wear the hat of homeschooler, caretaker, dog walker, meal provider. We pray for those alone and those managing large households. Those afraid and those with courage. Those who are weary and those emboldened to act. Those taking all precautions and those indifferent.
We pray for you who are reading this morning, our friends, our clients, our business partners, that your day is different today. Different simply in how you might learn to love better than you did last week. We pray that we, this #GivingTuesday and in the days to come, learn to love our neighbors well.
Hospitality Stays True
During times of sacrifice and uncertainty, there are those that stand strong and true to who they are. Last week, the Four Seasons Hotel New York announced that it will provide free lodging to doctors, nurses and other medical personnel currently working to fight COVID-19 in New York City. In this single example, and certainly in many, many selfless others across the country, we see those in hospitality being truly hospitable. We appreciate you and pray for those who’ll call you “home” in the days to come. Read more >>
Free Daily Workouts
For those now homebound, wearing pajamas and snacking all day might sound fabulous, let’s be real – it’s not healthy. A consistent home workout routine is good for body, mind and spirit. Our friends at Body Temple Fitness Studio are helping us stay fit with their free, daily online high intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. Check their Facebook or Instagram pages at 10 a.m. to follow along live with a trainer, or visit their YouTube channel at any time to watch an archived video. Be sure to bring a water along!
At Home Art Lessons
This week’s at home art lesson by our favorite elementary art teacher, Mrs. LaMarca, was too good not to share. Mrs. L. encourages her students (siblings, parents and grandparents) to look through the lens of creativity at the day ahead. For budding artists of all ages, our favorite lesson, Different is Good, discusses surrealist works of art inspired by Salvador Dali. Grab a family member (or a mirror) and a washable marker and give yourself the gift of inspiration and creativity. Take an art break >>
#See10Donate10
The fight to conquer addiction is a daily battle. One that is requiring more grit, stamina and support now more than ever. Consider a donation to Broadway Recovery Services, a nonprofit in Youngstown, Ohio that provides safe and sober homes for those in recovery. Their #See10Donate10 challenge is simple (1) donate $10 through PayPal or Venmo (2) screenshot/post your completed transaction (3) challenge others to do the same. Help a neighbor in recovery >>
