A few years ago, we had a family reunion. The place where we held our reunion was in a beautiful park that had a large, walk-in swimming hole with a concrete floor.

It was a very hot day. We ate lots. We toured the park and even visited a so-called "haunted house". We played games. And then, we were ready to cool off in the big wading pool.

Katen, my granddaughter, and I were playing in the water. I pretended to be her pet water horse, and she was feeding me invisible oats. We were having fun, and Katen screamed with delight.

Yet, not knowing what was really going on, a mother and her child were watching intently from the shore, assuming that we were in danger because of Katen's screams. The lifeguard ignored us because he knew what was taking place, but the mother thought otherwise. At the end, she, too, realized what was happening and walked away.

This situation made me think of how quickly we can judge a situation without obtaining further information. Some innocent and kind act could very well be turned into something that would eventually hurt or blemish someone's character or soul for life by assuming otherwise.

Let us love others as we would like to be loved and accept each other just as we are without judgment or reserve. Let us remember that it is God Who judges each and every one of us in His time.

Matthew 7:1-2 – Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgment you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. (NRSV)

Prayer: Lord, help us not to judge others. We all have a story, and we ask that we will learn to walk in someone else's shoes first. Help us to be Your instruments of forgiveness, peace, and love, in order to make this world a better place to live. Amen.

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About the author:

Rosemary Hagedorn <rosyhagedorn@gmail.com>
Penetanguishene, Ontario, Canada
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