I'll be honest, I can be judgmental.
I never really noticed much before. That is, until I became a mother. And the reason I've noticed my tendancy to judge is because I'm doing a LOT LESS of it now.
As a side note - isn't it funny how you can be sailing along in life thinking, "Hey, I'm doing pretty good! Read my Bible this morning, said a quick prayer, been goin' to church regularly, etc, etc.." then BAM!! it hits you! A sin is uncovered that you didn't even realize was there! I love that God does that. He doesn't hit you with all of your sins at once. I'm pretty sure I'd be crushed under the weight of that. Anyhoo...
It's easy, though, isn't it? To judge? It is for me. Especially when I only see a few details of a person's life and maybe catch them on a bad day.
Like, when you're at the grocery store and you see the mom who's child has food all over her face and dirt under her fingernails. I used to think I would never go out in public with my child like that.
You know what? That's exactly how my 2yr old looked today as we waltzed into Target. You know what else? Neither of us cared. :) We had things to do (and baby sister was upset) and I did not have the time or the desire to make sure every little crumb was off of her face. I'm pretty sure she'll still grow up to be a well-adjusted adult. Unless, of course, I damage her in other ways..
"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:3
Yup, since becoming a mother (especially since becoming a mother of two) I've decided that pretty much anything goes.
Instead of thinking, "I would never bribe my children with food just to keep them quiet in the store."
Now it goes something like this, "You need some snacks for your child? Hold on! I've got pretzels, raisins, crackers.. whaddya need?"
Instead of thinking, "I wouldn't leave my house with my child's face looking like that."
Well, you know that story..
Since becoming a mom, I'm finding that being quick to judge just doesn't work for me anymore. Don't get me wrong, I haven't "arrived" or anything - I have a long way to go. But, thank the Lord, I'm not where I used to be!
“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37
Lord, help me to realize and know that every mom is doing the best she can, myself included. Please help me to have an open heart and mind and to love as You love. Amen
