Heavenly Father, help us to recall...

Someone sent me this prayer this afternoon. I will keep it on my mind and in my heart as I drive home this evening.

Heavenly Father, help us to recall that the person who cut us off in traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that day and was rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children. Please watch over them and bless them.

Help us to recall that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester. Please watch over him and bless him.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares. Please watch over him and bless him.

Help us to recall that the old couple who were walking annoyingly slowly through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress were savoring a special moment. Based on the biopsy report she got back last week, that may be one of the last times that they can go shopping together. Please watch over them and bless them.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love. It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear. Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all mankind. Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive. Help us to show patience, empathy and love.