Many situations in the optical clinic where I work give me the opportunity to respond to God's call to love.

The commentary for this word of life suggested to me how, if I recognize my own problems and trials as well as those of others whenever they happen, difficult moments can be transformed into love:

“I am the gate. Whoever enters through me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture.” (Jn 10:9)

I spend most of my time in the testing room with patients. Sometimes, even when I'm busy there, the front desk pages me to ask a question or to convey some information or to transfer calls to me. I have found that by responding to the receptionists’ calls in a positive way often leads to results that surprise me. For example, in addition to performing tests, I am responsible for coordinating machine repairs. One time the front desk called me right in the middle of a session with a patient. At first I hesitated, then decided to answer. It turned out to be the repairman, who is very hard to get on the phone. By taking the call we were able to arrange for him to stop by and repair a broken machine. If I had let the receptionist take a message, it could have taken a few more days before we would have been able to make an appointment!

Another time, a patient got confused and came two hours early for her appointment. She arrived right at lunch time, and since her name wasn’t on the schedule until later the receptionist did not tell us she was waiting. I just happened to see her and asked what she was waiting for. I could see the disappointment on her face when I explained that the test would have to wait, since we were all on lunch break. She said she would just reschedule because she could not wait any longer. I thought to myself, “I will not die if I eat later.” I did the test for her and I could see how much she appreciated not having to come back another day! By living this phase of the Gospel, I was able to make other people happy and find happiness myself.

D.C., Chicago