Christmas Prayer...for all year!

I did NOT write this, but it was sent to me from a friend.  I'm sure it has made the email rounds for a while, but I just got it.  It really hit home...for I too am guilty of judging before loving!  This is a wondeful reminder for compassion!

 Heavenly Father, Help us remember that the jerk who cut us off in
 traffic last night is a single mother who worked nine hours that
 day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the
 laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children.

Help us to remember 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.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in
 the same spot every day (who really ought to get a job!) is a
 slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst
 nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slow
 through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are
 savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she
 got back last week, this will be the last year that they go
 shopping together.

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 humanity. Let us be slow to judge
 and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.
 
Working for God on earth doesn't pay much......but His retirement
plan is outstanding.