how are we loving?

This time of year has me feeling all the things.

The seasons are turning. The air is crisper (even here in Austin, TX… at last). The light is softer, and golden hour is its most beautiful.

I just marked my 55th birthday.

It’s Thanksgiving.

My older son is home from college for the week, as my younger son finishes his college applications. There’s a bittersweetness.

And I’m taking a deep breath in the middle of Surge Time, preparing for year-end with the nonprofits I serve.

Everything feels very tender in late November.

It’s right to pause, rest, and reflect.

And that’s my wish for you.

This week I have less desire than ever to spend, acquire, and consume on that other November holiday known as Black Friday (aka, “Trample People for Stuff We Don’t Need” Day.). I’m opting out, and maybe you’re with me?

But I’m more ready than ever for the vibe of Giving Tuesday, when people across the world will care for others.

And I keep coming back to THIS QUESTION from author and activist Tyler Merritt: In a season meant to be centered on gratitude… How are we loving? How are we showing up for ourselves and each other, making this hard world a little softer?

As fundraisers, this is our real business, isn’t it? I hope ours is a vocation of loving others and helping others express their love.

Staying tenderhearted — especially in this work — takes courage.