I was at a wedding last summer when I realized how much I needed to deal with my struggle with being judgmental towards others. As we were waiting for the ceremony to begin, a man stood up at the back of the church and made a call on his cell phone just as the wedding party began walking down the aisle. He continued to chat on the phone the entire time the party walked down the aisle and during the whole ceremony.

     As this took place my mind filled with thoughts like “Why is that man being SO rude”? and “Why can he just not wait and make the call after the ceremony is over”? and “WHAT A JERK” was one of my less pleasant thoughts of that afternoon. I was plain mad at him…ticked off, to say the least!

     Later that evening we were sitting at the table with the Mother and Father of the groom and the man mentioned how sad it was that his Mom was so sick that she could not attend the wedding. Then he added how grateful he was, however, that his youngest brother had got on his cell phone and took her through every part of what was happening, verbally, so she could at least feel like she was a little involved in her granddaughter’s wedding day!!!

     I felt like a big SCHMUCK!!! I confessed my sinful attitude to God and thanked Him for teaching me such a great lesson.

     As I thought of this in the context of parenting, I thought about how often I have jumped to conclusions, when it has come to my kids, with situations we have been through with them. How often I chose to think that they were already guilty before they had a chance to be ‘proven’ innocent!

     Parents, ask God to remind you that your kids are ‘innocent until proven guilty’. The next time they are accused or ‘caught’ in an offense, give them a chance to tell their side and/or defend themselves before you come to any conclusions.  This will build such a bond with you and your children if they know that they are not only being listened to, but also heard by you!

    Love,

    Karen