Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Do you Look for Other's Faults....While Ignoring Your Own?
A woman was waiting at an airport one night,
With several long hours before her flight.
She hunted for a book in the airport shop,
Bought a bag of cookies and found a place to drop.
She was engrossed in her book, but happened to see,
That the man sitting beside her, as bold as could be,
Grabbed a cookie or two from the bag between,
Which she tried to ignore, to avoid a scene.
She read, munched cookies, and watched the clock,
As the gutsy *cookie thief* diminished her stock.
She was getting more irritated as the minutes ticked by,
Thinking, If I wasn't so nice, I would blacken his eye.
With each cookie she took, he took one, too.
When only one was left, she wondered what he would do.
With a smile on his face and a nervous laugh,
He took the last cookie and broke it in half.
He offered her half, as he ate the other.
She snatched it from him and thought, Oh Brother,
This guy has some nerve and he's also rude.
Why, he didn't even show any gratitude!
She had never known when she had been so galled,
And sighed with relief when her flight was called.
She gathered her belongings and headed to the gate,
Refusing to look back at the *thieving ingrate*.
She boarded the plane and sank in her seat,
Then sought her book, which was almost complete.
As she reached in her baggage, she gasped with suprise:
There were her cookies in front of her eyes!
If mine are here, she moaned with despair,
Then the others were his and he tried to share!
Too late to apologize, she realized with grief,
That she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief!
This is a comical poem from Carolyn Mahaney's book: Feminine Appeal. It very clearly states how we are quick to notice other's sins, while thinking we have not done anything wrong.
Carolyn says:
Much to my chagrin, I can relate to this poor woman. I have frequently made negative assumptions about others only to discover later that I was the one in the wrong. The Bible calls this judging. Because of remaining sin, we all have a propensity to engage in this evil activity.
Scripture instructs us: "Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgement. (John 7:24) Sinful judging can wreak havoc with the desire for our husbands' and children's happiness; therefore, we must be vigilant in our efforts to resist this temptation.
I know I do need to be vigilant to resist this temptation...how about you?
I am a stay at home mother to 4. I am very blessed to have a godly husband who loves the Lord and his family. I welcome the days of much needed grace,the times of sweet victories,and the tears of trials,knowing it is all for God's glory. I want my lifesong to sing to Him,the author and finisher of my faith. Soli Deo Gloria--To the Glory of God alone.
13 Comments:
Boy, oh, boy does this relate to some of the thoughts rattling around in my brain today. Yes. I can definitely relate. Thanks for sharing this.
Oh! That poem hit me hard. How painfully accurate a reflection of my heart. Thank you for sharing it.
Oh my gosh, I can totally relate to that woman and my husband would be the first person to break the ice and ask, "Oh, would you like to have some cookies?"
Yikes! I think you must have written this just for me. I also read about not judging people in my Bible this morning. Do you think God might be trying to tell me something? :) Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
oh wow!!!!! what an excellent story!
Hello, I really enjoy your blog. I am from Alberta Canada, am the mother of 2 great kids (girl 8 and boy 5) and a wife of one great man. I have always known the Lord and always had him on my heart. Though so many times I still fail miserably. This post was great and I have had this subject on my heart for a long time--along with only building people up in our talking. I look forward to more posts:)
Oh my word! That is excellent and really gets me in my heart.
I saw that poem acted out on t.v. on one of the Chicken Soup For the Soul shows. It was really geat!! I enjoyed reading it again!!
Good words. It was good to see your heart on this, Kim! I struggle with this as well. I have found the book "Who Are You to Judge" by Dave Swavely very helpful on this issue. Have a great evening!
I love that poem! I would totally be that woman!
OH my goodness! -
Being so legalistic is something that comes so naturally for me. That is a funny poem but it helps us remember doesn't it? Our own sin is what we need to focus on and for me - is what keeps me from expiriencing God's presence and peace in my life......I'm so caught up in what everyone else is doing wrong that I fail to see my own issues.
Great illustration of a sobering truth. Thanks Kim for the post, it really made me think.
Wow, I am just cringing.
I struggle with a tendency to be critical of others and get so irritated by this or that. God has really been stepping on my toes about this issue lately (thankfully) and here is one more great reminder.
Thanks for sharing!
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