Rush to Judgment

photo 2This week we experienced the fun of a completed deck in our back yard. Michigan Lake and Land did an expert job, cutting no corners and satisfying my every whim. They cooperated with all my ideas, everything from building a weather-proof room beneath the deck to designing two super-sturdy baby gates that “disappear” into deck fencing when they’re locked in place.

photo 1I’ve kept my eye open for reasonable deck furniture, nothing cushy, just tables and chairs that will rain-wash well. Two second-hand tables got face-lifts with fresh paint, and I couldn’t wait to set it all up.

Once the white paint had dried (in the basement), I turned each painted piece a bit each day for a full week, making sure every edge was dry so not one drop of paint would end up on the deck.

Stepping up Then this weekend, it was time to assemble it all. After carrying each piece to the deck, I was appalled to see drops of paint on every other step and scattered at random on the boards. Squatting to see if it was, indeed, wet paint, I was crushed when the drops smeared beneath my finger.

How could that have happened after I tried to be so careful? And how was I going to get the paint off the boards without ruining the stain?

Then God answered my questions. A big bird flew overhead, letting go of a liquid deposit that landed right next to me, a white splotch that splattered just enough to toss random drops here and there. The paint spots, it turned out, weren’t paint at all, just white bird-do, an easy-off with a wet rag.

My rush to judgment was typical me, sizing up a situation without all the facts. It isn’t serious when dealing with a deck, but in the case of a person, it can be disaster. Most scenarios aren’t what they first seem, and if we refrain from drawing quick conclusions about someone, new (and usually helpful) information always surfaces.

The Lord perfectly modeled how not to judge prematurely by not doing it with us. Instead of rushing to judgment (even though he actually has all the facts), he waits patiently till we figure it out on our own.

Let's eat...Jesus mentions in Scripture that he prays for us, and surely some of those prayers are that we’ll come under conviction as needed. He doesn’t bring down the hatchet too early but hopes instead we’ll voluntarily change whatever needs changing. Eating humble pie might be part of it, and though that never tastes good, it can nourish us well.

I certainly jumped to the wrong conclusion about my blemished deck, but I do think it’s accurate to say that bird won’t repent or change his behavior. No matter. It was an easy fix with a wet rag…. followed by a thorough hand washing.

Ready for conversation“Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” (John 7:24)

Praising and Praying with Mary

  1. Pray for tomorrow’s chemo #9. Your prayers are holding back the nausea!
  2. I’m praising God that after tomorrow, I’ll be half way through!

7 thoughts on “Rush to Judgment

  1. You mean the door to nowhere leads somewhere now?? That’s fabulous! The pictures of your deck look gorgeous. I wonder if you can “forest-train” the birds? HAHA! (Also, so glad to read that Mary seems to be doing OK. I’ll keep praying for her along with the rest of your family.)

  2. Congratulations on your new ‘addition’. May you create times of blessing and memories for yourself, family and friends. Continuing to pray for Mary (I’m remembering that pesky feeding tube).

  3. Your deck is beautiful. I hope you will not be too bother with little insects that have relatives in my garden. May our Lord continue to bless and provide for you and Mary.

  4. Good words about not rushing to judgment…
    What a beautiful deck. I know you and your family will spend many happy moments out there. And I love the bright colors of your chairs. Whether you’re with others or by yourself, it will be a treat to sit outside. Enjoy!

  5. Blessings on Mary! Margaret, what beautiful colors. Been trying to see them from the back bedroom of the Old Hotel. Jim and Pearl.

  6. So happy for the completion of the deck–expanded room for play and rest in God’s wonder, Margaret.
    We continue to pray, Mary–hope the feeding tube functions and is more comfortable. Relieved to know that the chemo treatments are half way completed.
    Prayers for you and your family, Mary–all day and night.
    Judi and Jim

  7. The deck is heavenly, Margaret; I am certain it will be a place of much enjoyment for you and family and entertaining friends. I, too, love the colorful furniture, good job, I know you had fun!
    Still praying for Mary and continued improvement over nausea & hope the feeding tube discomfort ceases.
    Have a wonderful summer!