We had a fun week here at common art and Boston Warm. Let me catch you up with an encouraging story from this week:

Two Fridays ago, one of our members found a Notre Dame class ring on the street. He came to me wondering how we could track down the owner of the ring. He told me that he could easily pawn the ring and get the money for it, but wanted to return the ring to the rightful owner because he knew they would be hurting over the loss of such a sentimental and valuable ring. Because the ring was engraved with the owner’s initials and graduation date, we decided it might be worth a shot to call the Notre Dame alumni office to see if they could track this person down. Low and behold, it worked! The alumni office was able to find the owner, so I was able to return the ring to her this past Wednesday before common art.

At the start of each Wednesday at common art we have a leadership meeting and prayer time. Each meeting we ask if a member would like to light a candle and set an intention for the day. The member who found the ring immediately shot his hand up to set the intention. Sharing the story of the ring with the group, he encouraged them to do acts of kindness for others whenever possible. This moment was very special as the member got to share something that made him proud himself and brought affirmation from his community. I felt honored to have been a part of the ring-return journey!

So let our common art member’s words and actions be an encouragement to us all this week: whether it’s returning an invaluable class ring to someone, grabbing your co-worker coffee, or complimenting a stranger’s outfit as you pass, try to do something kind for someone else this week. Spreading light and love is mutually beneficial.

Alex Shoemaker