Hanging Hope

November 30, 2023

One of the recurring themes of this column is how a little focus can transform ordinary routines into occasions for connection, making life better for everyone at little to no cost... things like inserting a surprise love note into a child's lunch, stepping in to do a chore to give someone a few minutes of life back, waving cheerfully at the driver who lets you into the lane, or texting out of the blue "just because." Occasionally, readers give me flak for these columns, complaining that the pace of life leaves them no time or energy for extras, and they feel guilty for not doing so. Fair enough... Nevertheless, I maintain that these small pushes improve life, even (and perhaps especially) for those making the effort.

Occasionally, though, extraordinary people go all-out to brighten the world in ways that give them no means to experience the results. On Sunday, my family took the dogs for a walk on our favorite trail and found that an enterprising soul had lined the path with tiny, brightly-colored wooden birdhouses the size of Christmas ornaments. Not just one or two, either... the yellow and red and purple and bright blue and pink little masterpieces stood out amongst the drab late-autumn background, leading us onward to the next, and then the next.

I want to thank the people who did this, but there's no one to thank. Whoever spent the money and took the time to dress up this corner of my city had to be completely self-fueled; they'll never know first-hand the little jolts of joy they're giving to countless strangers; they just have to imagine it. They're also demonstrating a level of trust in the basic goodness of humanity that's lacking these days: After all, they're hanging a dozen jewels in the trees and taking for granted that no one will steal or destroy them.

The people who did this are hanging hope, lighting our way down a gloomy trail one glorious little birdhouse at a time. Knowing that such people are out there reminds me that we're not lost. It's the quintessential spirit of the holidays, and I am grateful.

—Deb