Judge Not

I grew up in a family of gossips on my mother side of the family. As an impressionable  child, I listened and believed what I heard. This formed a basis in my mind to judge others by. These were negative thoughts and harmful if repeated and passed along to others. Such thoughts influenced thinking and corrupted my view of those around me. I saw others through these distortions and innuendos. It was harmful to both they and I.

As I grew to manhood and finished my military service, several things began to surface in my mind from time to time. These were words my father spoke to me as a child. They were powerful and had a jogging effect on my conscience.

I had the rare privilege of working as a boy for my father. This was a benefit in that I watched him and listened to his words as he conducted his business with employees and customers alike. I learned over the years that the true measure of any person is their consistency. My father was a consistently honorable man.He was a tough task master, but fair and true. I am ashamed to say… he was a true friend I never valued at the time. That has since change dramatically. I am grateful for the many wise and proper thoughts he passed on to me.

He always would say to me, give an honest days work for an honest days pay. Be a gentleman and respect others till they show they are not worthy of respect. Then turn away and leave them be as they will. Always remember what side your bread is buttered on. It is buttered on the top. The one who butters your bread is God. The butter is his favor. The bread is your life. 

Life is a school of many lessons. We are here to learn and to teach by example. My father gave me his wisdom which I will cherish till I leave this world. My father taught me… we are not here to judge others. God will do that. He will grade us by the values we have shown him through our thoughts, words and actions.

Thank you dad for being such a friend and example to me!