Past Judgement

I passed judgement! I passed it swiftly, too swiftly. My husband and I were talking and I said that he thought he was better then someone. The look on his face revealed the truth. His face went confused and then turned to concern and then he spoke gently, "I have never thought that." He looked hurt and I felt a small gavel slam in my chest. I had misjudged him.

Lucky for me, my husband didn't take offense but I kept thinking about that conversation. It wasn't an argument it was just a passing conversation and although it was small in significance, it was moment of realization for me. How often have I grabbed a symbolic gavel in my life and slammed it down without saying a word? Had I done this many times before with my husband without checking my facts?

I know I have done this many times and it has probably caused myself and him much pain. Now, I don't think I should say whatever I feel in the moment but I should definitely use my personal judgement and empathy to decide if my feelings are warranted.

I am finding judgement to be a personal journey for me. It is an essential part in a humans physical and spiritual growth. It keeps us from running out in the street, or going into an unsafe place. It can tell us when we've gone to far or missed an opportunity. It is just as important for me to pass judgement as it is for me to overrule judgements. When it comes to my husband, we can compare and contrast judgments. In the end, it is those judgements that help us find the middle ground.

Challenge: Use your judgement this week and ask your husband what he is thinking before you pick up the gavel.


Photo by scottamus on flickr