Racetrac and Jesus

Everyday I go to Racetrac to read before I head into the office.  It allows me to be disconnected from emails, phone calls, or other staff members seeking my attention.  I am there and no body recognizes me, but the staff as they see me 5 days a week.  

Last week, I saw a family get out of their car and head inside.  As I was watching them, I noticed their child wasn't wearing shoes and their dress looked what I would call "white trash."  

Now I know, I shouldn't think that way, but I did. And to be honest I was also judging the parenting skills of these two as their child did not have any shoes on their feet.  I judge them solely on their appearance and lack of footwear.  I know nothing of this family:  their background, their hardships, their joys, their sorrows.  But judged them nonetheless.  

As the mother was walking to the front entrance I saw on her shirt the name Jesus.  This caught my attention so when she came in, I moved into a position where I could read her shirt.  It said,

So there I was faced with my own prejudice and judgmental self.  God kind of slapped me just then and said "You pharisee."  

Sunday our Pastor talked about being neighborly like Jesus:  welcoming those who we don't always look like or get along with.  I couldn't help but think of this family and particularly this lady.  I don't know why God loves me because God shouldn't, but I am glad Jesus thinks I'm to die for.  

Its about time I start looking at people the way Jesus sees them:  as a divine creation, made in the image of God, and worth dying for.  

May God forgive my judgmental self and give me the eyes of Jesus. Amen.