Precious Moments That Count For EternitySample

It’s Not Always What It Seems I was trying out clothes in my favorite boutique. Being a ladies-only boutique, the fitting room had no door, just a curtain. While I waited my turn, a boy, around five years old, barged into the occupied room and muttered something. Before the lady inside could react, he came out, only to go back in, mutter, and run out. This happened a few times. I was aghast at this behavior – more so because his mother did little to stop him. How could an educated woman allow her child to run into changing rooms, not admonish him, and continue doing what she was doing? Maybe the boy was just too pampered or the rich lady did not know how to handle her child, when the nanny wasn’t there! Soon the lady emerged from the changing room, very flustered. The boy’s mother immediately apologized, saying her son was autistic. He was fascinated by table fans, and since the changing room had one, he couldn’t help wanting to look at it. He didn’t mean to disturb her. The lady was placated. And I started looking for the nearest stone to crawl under! How quick we are to judge others. If something does not quite fit in with our views and beliefs, we jump to conclusions. Today, we read the advice that King Jehoshaphat gave to judges he appointed in the cities of Judah. He told them to be careful while passing a verdict because they were doing it unto God. Similarly, we may not be formally called to judge others, but when we take that mantle upon ourselves, let us learn to be just – and know that we are ‘passing a verdict’ on God’s creations. Each of us is fearfully and wonderfully made, in God’s own image (Psalm 139:14, Genesis 1:27). We will do well to remember that! Prayer Lord, forgive me for the many times I have passed judgement on Your children. Help me to remember that they are all Your creation and made in Your image. In Jesus’ name. Amen.