Don't be too hasty to judge

Finally!  The semester is practically over!  Not for me, haha, for Nick.  Although, I'm probably more excited than he is because I love being able to spend time with him.

Today, Tristan was acting a bit better, after being sick and then crazy all week (he was throwing up from Sunday to Monday, and then screaming all day and night till Thursday).  So we went out to do some shopping.  We ended up at Animal Ark because Nick wanted to give away two of his geckos that he wasn't planning on breeding.  While we were waiting for him to talk to the saleslady, Tristan and I wandered around the store.  They had a bunch of cool animals, and while we were looking at the birds, I noticed a man crouched down in front of the puppy cage.  His pants were a little low (like a plumber's….), and my first thought was, 'ulgh, how crude, he should pull his pants up and not be so grungy).  He looked up at me and smiled, and I think I may have still had a little distain on my face as Tristan and I walked past.  Nick had finished, and he asked if I wanted to look around with him.  We ended up in the corner of the store where the man was still looking at the puppies.  I wanted to say something to Nick, but didn't get the chance.  The man, with great difficulty, stood up.  It was clear his back was severely twisted, and he stood and walked as though his hips were disjointed.  Immediately I felt the pangs of guilt sweep over me.  How could I be so hasty to think such horrible things?  I watched as he walked away, each step clumsily placed, looking as though he would fall over at any moment.

You really never know what a person is going through at first glance.  I wanted to go tell him I was sorry for thinking he was a dirty unkempt man instead of smiling in return, but he had left the store before I got the chance.  I probably will never see him again, but he taught me a great lesson.  It's like the age old saying goes "don't judge a book by it's cover,", some of the best reads have worn and tattered binding, ripped and folded pages, scratched and faded dust jackets.  But you know why?  From wear.  The best books are used often and loved well.

Now, I'm not saying forsake your appearance and expect people to just love you for who you are.  But I am saying, don't make rude and hasty judgements of people you don't know.  I wish I hadn't, and I hope I don't ever do it again.  At least I will try not to.  No matter what, we are all God's children, and He loves us.  We need to remember that, and love God's children too.