When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, hospitals overflowed with patients, and healthcare workers were in high demand. Doctors and nurses braved this unknown disease to treat patients with compassion amid surrounding fear, anxiety, and deathly illness. In this time of solitude and uncertainty, I took to the kitchen. I had lots of spare time to be in the kitchen, and so I mastered making French macarons, key lime pie, and many other confections. 

Most importantly, I enjoyed baking. I realized baking was my gift—a gift worthy to share. Joyful Bakes, which I started as a ministry of the Youth Group of Trinity Church, Princeton, became my mission. There is nothing better than a fresh baked cookie or treat after a long, hard day of work. Through Joyful Bakes I bake and assemble 20 fresh boxes of homemade cookies for the night shift ER workers at St. Francis Hospital in Trenton each month. And these aren’t just regular cookies; they are exquisite, specialty cookies not to be found in stores. Some personal favorites from the year have been the cardamom poppy seed cookies and the chocolate thumbelina flight. 

Baking brings me a lot of joy and always brightens my day. Sharing a perfectly golden brown and warm cookie with a loved one fills my heart with warmth. I bake for the night shift ER workers to bring them joy in these bleak times. And when they are in “désespoir” (despair) as the French say, the gift of a small box of cookies can put a smile on their faces. While these kind souls toil day in and day out and witness immense suffering, I bring them a little joy through something that also brings me happiness. 

Recognizing the works of every human being and respecting their dignity are the first step towards justice and peace. The little actions, the meaningful ones, like baking specialty cookies for people who need a “pick me up” are what lead us further towards peace and harmony. If something brings you joy, share it with the world to show your compassion and respect for the dignity of all.