SNAP JUDGMENTS

 

 


   While I was at work, I received a call from the doggie day care where our dog, Phoebe, had been going for several months. The worker regretfully informed me that Phoebe had been expelled from daycare and would not be allowed back. When I asked the worker what Phoebe had done, I was told that she was growling and snapping at other dogs. 

     I was mortified. Since then, I have noticed she snarls and snaps at any dog that comes around her…especially ones she’s never met. She has one or two dogs she is fine around, but for the most part, she strongly dislikes other dogs.

    Isn’t Phoebe like we humans? We have the people we like to be around. But if someone new or different comes on the scene, we proceed with caution. Sometimes we may even take a strong dislike for no particular reason or based on religion, skin color, or anything else that we don’t agree with or like. We may not snarl and bite, but we do other things to let that group or person know that we don’t like them.

    Humans are supposed to be smarter and have higher thinking compared to dogs, but often, we don’t act like it. If Phoebe could talk, and I could ask her why she disliked that dog or dogs, I am sure she would not be able to give me a good answer. She would probably say she doesn’t like them just because. When we are asked why we don’t like someone or a group of people, we may not be able to give a good answer either.

    Many times, like Phoebe, we make snap judgments before we get to know someone. Since we have been given the gift of higher thinking, we should be open and give a person or group a chance before we judge. Being open and accepting is not easy, especially if prejudices are being harbored. If we can put our prejudices and snap judgments aside and give people a chance, we may find someone fun and worth knowing, an ally or much needed team player.

 

 

Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?  Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”  Matthew 22:37-39


 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

ETERNAL TRUTH

Image
                                It’s been a rough year, especially when it comes to politics. I believe due to the pandemic and being trapped at home that political issues have seeped into our personal lives more so than it ever has before. It has also fomented anger, worry and concern, especially those who are conservative. I know I have felt fear at the direction this country is heading and unjustness at being cancelled because my beliefs aren’t aligned with the radical left.                 This week I was listening to a podcast and got a little boost of hope. During a YAF conference in Florida, one the of topics was the toxic political environment and attack on conservatives from politicians and businesses. Senator Ted Cruz said something that encouraged me. He said…”Go towards truth, light and freedom. The great thing about ete...
Read more

Falling to Pieces - Chapter One

Image
  CHAPTER ONE     They stood side by side at the edge of the dock gazing out at the ocean. The sea breeze blew its playful fingers through their hair. Kathryn’s yellow sundress slapped gently against her calves. When the sound of cars passing by was not present, they heard the call of seagulls and the waves lapping against the dock. Kathryn put her arm through Monte’s. “Isn't this view fabulous? I can’t believe how fun Charleston is. You were so lucky to grow up near here.” Monte turned to her and smiled, causing his blue eyes to crinkle at the corners. “I’m the lucky one because I’m here with you seeing this town through your eyes.” He pulled her to him. The longer they were in Charleston, the more pronounced his Southern accent became. His lips claimed hers in a kiss that sent her senses spinning like a tornado and sending her into the clouds. “What would you like to do this afternoon?” His words brought her back to Earth. Kathryn smiled up at him. “Let’s...
Read more

Cornerstone

Image
       On October 13, 1782, the cornerstone for the presidential residence was laid.   George Washington was president at the time, but it was John Adams that became the first president to live in it.   It became known as the “White House” because it was constructed with white-gray Virginia freestone and contrasted dramatically with the red brick buildings nearby.        A cornerstone is an important part of a building.   It is usually the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation.   The placing of the stone is important because all the other stones of the foundation will be set in reference to this one stone and establishes the position of an entire structure.        Just as the cornerstone is important in the foundation of a building, the same could be said of our hearts/souls.   They are the core or very foundation of everything we do from how we live our lives to take...
Read more