In this confusing and unpredictable world that we find ourselves in, it’s so easy to let fear get the best of us. In times of global panic, the dark and scary moments tend to outshine the good ones. This can often cause us to lose touch with the world around us. We might forget that the people surrounding us are burdened by these obstacles just the same as we are, if not more so. So in this time of uncertainty, let us take an opportunity to look at things from a different perspective.
When we feel merely inconvenienced by the changes happening around us, think about those who are not guaranteed to see another day. When we feel the disappointment of cancelling a spring break trip, think about those who struggle to find a place to sleep each night. When we flock to grocery stores to stock up on essentials, think about those who do not know where their next meal will come from. When we’re dismayed by the idea of staying home, think about those who do not have a place to call home. And when we enjoy the comfort of working from home, think about the healthcare workers putting themselves at risk every minute to treat the most vulnerable.
There are so many dangers in this scary world. But this will pass. For many of us, life will go back to normal. Stores will reopen. Food will be put back on the shelves. Restaurants will be filled and schools will hold classes once again. But for some, these issues will remain. Food will continue to be scarce and people will continue to go hungry. Financial uncertainty will remain, as some will still lack the comfort of having a safe place to call home. As we try to navigate these stressful weeks, we must recognize that for some, these obstacles are a fearsome reality. Now more than ever, we have a responsibility to reach out a helping hand to those who need it most – to those whose struggles will not subside in the weeks or months to come. Perhaps these changes to our daily lives, as rattling and alarming as they are, might offer us with a new perspective, one that we might have never before considered. In doing so, may we be reminded how powerful the small concept of kindness can be, especially in times like these.