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.