I must tell you the end of my "Brooke's mom" story (see last post). On our last morning, Randol was in front of Brooke's room coloring. I walked down to tell her we were about to leave. Brooke's mom asked me what my husband did for a living. I was confused because I thought everyone there was a lawyer. I was mistaken, her husband was an investigator. When she found out Wesley was an attorney her WHOLE attitude towards me changed. I mean night and day difference. We were all of a sudden best friends. I was confused. What my husband does for a living has NOTHING to do with who I am or what kind of person I am. Why did that make such a huge difference in her eyes?
When I started thinking these things as I walked back to my room (dragging Foster kicking and screaming b/c he wanted to stay outside :-) I realized that I had also judged her. When she acted so rude to me I automatically thought, "She's a typical lawyers wife, cares about money, status, who has the bigger, better car and house." There are so many women who think less of me just because I stay at home and home school my children. I assumed she was just another "one of them".
It made me think, what other times have I made assumptions about someone based purely on what job they have or what car they drive? There is one couple in particular that sticks out in my mind. They are very wealthy and drive really nice cars and go on overseas vacations a lot. Their children have expensive hobbies like horse riding and go to amazing summer camps that cost more than we make in a month. I automatically assumed they had a "we're better than you are" attitude just because of what I saw on the outside. When I got to know them I realized they are so down to earth and are some of the nicest people we know. They treat their wealth with responsibility-constantly helping others and blessing those by what God has blessed them with. I learned a good, hard lesson through their friendship.
The next time you see that neighbor with a new car or a stranger in really nice clothing, take time to find out who is under all that exterior stuff. It's the inside that matters. We spend so much of our lives fixing our hair and getting that nice tan, saving up for that new car or new electronic item to grace our home. When it comes to spiritual matters, it doesn't matter what we drive or how big our house is or how much money is in our bank account. God doesn't care about any of that. He cares about our heart-and we can't hide that from Him. He can see straight through to our core.
"...The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
~1 Samuel 16:7
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Marion, loved the last picture of Randol and Foster in bed, so precious, I would love to have a copy. Thank you for the lesson in judgement. I think we all have a judgment problems from time to time, and it is a shame that we do not treat our fellow travelers with more respect. I for one think you are doing the most important job you will ever have and it is that of motherhood. I truly believe this world would be a whole lot better if more mothers realized material possessions are not important but love and time are. Love, Aunt Kay
Post a Comment