As a writer, I’m often searching for inspiration to ignite a story. Lately, I’ve found myself in an inspirational rut and perhaps you have felt it yourself too. With social media and news outlets cramming stories of real-life doom and sadness down our throats, I have a hard time flipping the positive switch on. Just when I think that life isn’t so bad, BAM! Another bad event rolls into place. It’s typical 2020 garbage. This year, our family has personally faced job-insecurity, financial stress, loss of loved ones, isolation and depression, and an overwhelmingly stressful home environment. I know I am not the only one, and it is true, it could always be worse.
I’ve buried myself in TV binge-watching, baking carb-laden goods, eating said goodies, painting walls, learning how to smoke meat, scrubbing toilets, organizing my linen closet, online shopping, cutting bangs (yikes! And true!), but I have not been able to find inspiration to write. Until now.
I’ve buried myself in TV binge-watching, baking carb-laden goods, eating said goodies, painting walls, learning how to smoke meat, scrubbing toilets, organizing my linen closet, online shopping, cutting bangs (yikes! And true!), but I have not been able to find inspiration to write. Until now.
The tides are changing. Loud political signs have been replaced with gently twinkling lights. Nativity scenes remind us of the gift of Christmas. We even got an early powdering of snow for a day! Cookie creations are now the focus of families. People on social media are posting their impressive Christmas trees, elf on the shelf hilarity, and pets in sweaters. In Downtown Franklin, the annual lighted tree has been erected in Town Square like a beacon of hope. My favorite local group, The Shindellas hosted an online tree-lighting event (watch it below if you missed it.) The street lamps have been trimmed with garland and lights like any classic Hallmark-Esque town should be. Folks have replaced the all too familiar “Be safe,” with “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Holidays!” There is talk of a vaccine, which, no matter your stance on the subject, it is giving people around the world some hope. We all need a little hope right now.
As little as these changes are, as silly as one may think they are, the change is deliciously palpable and it is giving me a glimmer of hope. If I know one thing about Franklin, it’s that people here truly wish you well. There will always be divisive ways to separate us, to organize us into opposing groups, and honestly, we often do this to ourselves. Right now, we need community, not so much in the physical hand-shaking sense (we gotta be safe), but in a way that we truly wish each other well and take care of each other...whatever that means to you.
Franklin Special School District has adopted the slogan of “Be Nice.” Maybe we all need to just “be nice” this season. You never know who just might need a nice comment or gesture, it could make their day. A simple act of kindness could make all the difference in the world and inspire hope in our community.
Franklin Special School District has adopted the slogan of “Be Nice.” Maybe we all need to just “be nice” this season. You never know who just might need a nice comment or gesture, it could make their day. A simple act of kindness could make all the difference in the world and inspire hope in our community.
Franklin, you give us hope. Thank you. If we can give you hope, I pray that you reach out to us. We are here for you too.
Wishing you love, kindness, hope, and a Merry Christmas!
What gives you hope this season?
Let us know in the comments below!
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