Lately, I don't even like to watch the news. It's often SO depressing, discouraging and divisive. I'm fairly realistic and don't expect to see 'good news' all the time, (although there are a handful of news services that focus on just that) but heavy doses of shootings, racism, violence, homicides, weather disasters, people in emotional and economic ruin living sick on the streets--it's too much. 

But I came across a couple of stories that really uplifted me. Children are doing great things and serving others at tender ages. I have been looking for inspiration in art and nature-- and now another resource is kids.

I found it particularly touching to watch young entrepreneur Crosby Gilchrest use his lemonade stand to raise money for kids with diabetes. What a great way to make a contribution in these challenging times. The response to the boy's stand was staggering. Cars lined up from the 9a.m. opening on July 26 to closing at 9p.m. Crosby put in a 12 hour shift--a long day by any standards. The lemonade sale was part of Lancaster, Pennsylvania's 'The Club Sunset' event where attendees parades cool cars. The boy's father Andrew told WGAL TV News, "I'm holding back the tears every time someone gives $20 and they only took $1 of lemonade. It says so much about people and the time that we're in." Yes, indeed. In spite of all the negativity, there are still a lot of good people around. Rather than keeping the money for himself, Crosby donated all proceeds to a children with diabetes fund: he was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes at 2 years old. I got a lift this morning seeing this story.

And I came across another story that gave me a boost, too. 16-year-old Kiesse Nanor, a teen music prodigy from Ellicott City, Maryland, is using her musical gift to bring people together. Yesterday, she played from her living room as neighbors socially distanced outside, wearing masks and sitting on lawn chairs, listening to her piano recital. 

The high school sophomore studies at The England Conservatory Preparatory School in Boston. She has not been able to attend school since March because of the pandemic. But Keisse still practices every day. The teenager won a piano competition in 2017 and had the honor of performing at Carnegie Hall when she was 13. 

Keisse told WBAL TV, "I know that a lot of people are at home, they can't really go out, hang out with their friends, so I was thinking, I know music is a really great way to bring people together, it makes people happy, so if I can play something, like an hour of music for my community, I thought it would be just a good idea to bring people together for a little bit." Well said!

There are many more stories about kids and teens doing extraordinary acts. Our youth are role models and provide inspiring examples of what generosity and compassion look like.