Judgement

I was recently privileged to work with many children in a structured environment.  There was one young man about 9 years old who had limitless energy.  He was constantly wanting attention, climbed anything available and talked incessantly. I was irritated that all of the adults had to constantly keep him in view and try to keep his attention focused.  It took all of my patience to remember he was a child and obviously needed more attention than the other children.  I decided to give him as much time as possible and listened to his constant chatter.  He informed me that his biological father used to lock him in a closet.  His biological mother would not teach him to speak and refused to give him food when he was hungry.  He stated he was adopted when he was 3 years old and had multiple adopted brother and sisters.  I was immediately chastened to realize I had judged him without knowing his dark and sad history.  I was so happy that he was in a wonderful family now and was functioning well with speech, ability to draw and was learning to socialize with other children.  I was so sad that he had to begin life with such pain and horror and was able to love him for who he had become.  

I learned an important lesson about judgement of others.  I will remember to look for the rose among the thorns.  I pray that others will be open to observing the best in me as I take time to celebrate the excellence in others.  

"Make it a practice to judge persons and things in the most favorable light at all times and under all circumstances."  St. Vincent de Paul