I don’t know about you, but I’ve found myself being a little less patient recently than I’d normally be. With all the changes to our daily routines, nothing is as simple as it once was. Add to that the fact that many people are struggling financially, with sickness, or with loneliness, and it’s easy to see why we’re shorter and more terse with our fellow man than we used to be. Speaking of that, I heard a story about some people shopping at Costco; a father was in the frozen food section with his teenage sons and there was an older lady there as well. Both parties were eyeing the Eggo waffles, but there was only one box left. As they reached and put their hand on that last box at the same time, the dad said to the woman, “Leggo my Eggo.” While it is humorous, the truth is that this story exemplifies a temptation to put our own needs and wants ahead of those of our neighbor. After all, we’ve been inconvenienced enough already, right? Yet this is precisely the reason why acts of love and compassion towards our near-dwellers carry even more weight in this strange time. While patience wears thin on all sides, when we choose to truly see those around us and go out of our way to be selfless, courteous, and kind to them, the seeds of God’s love will take root, spring up, and bear sweet fruit.

My friend, I believe from the bottom of my heart that when you choose to embrace the unexpected treasures in this time, the Lord will use you to change the lives of others. Millions of people today feel invisible; as if their voices have been drowned out by the crisis. However, as a disciple of Jesus, rooted and established in His love, your compassion gives you a supernatural perception that beholds the silent cries of others, and His spirit enables you to meet them with affirmation, comfort, and charity. As you invite Him to illuminate your vision and give you eyes to see beyond the hassle to the very heart of people, you are positioned to have an eternal impact — one that will leave the world a much better place when this storm passes by.