Specks and Planks (Matt 7:3-5)

I've always loved writing. Real writing. Not essays and required "journal" that must be turned in for a grade. In elementary school I wrote a 13-ish page story about a butterfly. I may have just told a lie..it could have been 12 pages, or about a rabbit, but the point is I had a problem. Now my problem is that I can never seem to bring myself to write anymore. Sometimes writing things down means that they're real, and reality is unappealing sometimes. More and more recent occurrences in life (some may call them "coincidences") have encouraged me to move past my hesitations and write again. So here I am, at 2:06 am, on Jenna and Rachel's floor, wondering if sleep will be my friend tonight.

Tonight I've been thinking a lot about judgement, for various reasons which need not be named. One of my current frustrations with the human race as of late is how quickly and willingly we judge others, yet are shocked and offended when others judge us. I feel the need to isolate this frustration on the human race as WE are the species that can't seem to get a grip on this concept. In discussing this with Caitlin today, she made the valid point that no other species seems to struggle, on the general, with judgement and the psychological consequences of it.

Ok, so she didn't quite state it like that. I believe it went something more to the tune of:

Caitlin-"I mean, do dogs litrally (yes, litrally) judge other dogs? No."

Sounds simplistic, but it is unfortunately true. We can't stand when other people aren't like use, but immediately find ourselves offended when others reciprocate.

Maybe no matter how humble, modest, or inferior we claim or wish to be, we are all just a little bit too in love with ourselves to avoid the endless circle of judgement.

“Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.” -The Alchemist

If you haven't read this book yet, you need to. Such a treasure chest of wisdom, truth, and inspiration. I admit that I often find myself thinking about the speck of dust in other's eye while refusing to see the plank in my own. How can I possibly know the solutions and remedies to other's lives if I can't even seem to fully comprehend my own?

Then again, perhaps I should be thanking God for the judgement that exists in this world. If I am truly blind to what I do wrong, how awesome is it that He provides an opportunity for me to hear it from others? Not that I will ever enjoy hearing the laundry list of my shortcomings; however, if it will help me be at peace before I stand before God (the one who's judgement truly does matter), then maybe I should be a little more receptive than offended at such behavior.

Thus ends my confusion about the matter. My only conclusion? The motivation for judging others is perhaps more of the concern than the actual judgement itself. Do your opinions of one's actions and/or lifestyle stem from true love and concern for the other individual, or are you acting out of selfish emotions?

See? I write too much.