A TIME FOR JUDGEMENT

I can't believe all of the people I've heard from lately!  Yesterday I had the pleasure of hearing from a friend that I haven't seen in probably 7 years (give or take a few months).  We got the chance to catch up on what was new with each other, with perhaps the plan of getting together soon.  Our conversation turned to her "possible" sister in law. 

I happen to be an expert on the "Sister-in-Law (SIL)" subject!  As some of you already know, my brother met this girl from a neighbouring town, about 7 years ago?!?  (read comments section, I'm sure she can correct me on the dates).  I wasn't quite fond of her.  Actually, I'm going to say that I went out of my way to make her feel uncomfortable.  I figured if I was mean enough that she'd eventually get the hint, put her tail between her legs and head for the hills.  Much to my dismay my brother called me up one night and asked me if she could come on our "Family" Vacation.  Turns out, he thought this would be the perfect opportunity to propose by writing in the sand.  (Aww.. how romantic... yes, I know)  During our vacation I got to learn a little bit more about her.  I still wasn't sold, but she'd moved up from the "tormenting" category into the "non-tormenting" category, just for surviving that trip with my family.  We got back from our trip and a few days, or weeks (onset Alzheimer's pertaining to dates) and she asked me to be one of her bridesmaids.  Well how do you say "NO"?!?  Basically you can't.  I said yes, and as the weeks turned into a few months, I started coming around.  I will admit, my change of heart didn't come over-night, but the main thing is... It came.  Not only have I discovered what a genuine person she was, I realized that it was my own selfishness that stopped us from forming a relationship long before.  I was so consumed with the fact that I was losing my brother (who is partially at fault, for never calling his one-and-only sister as often as he should have), that I didn't focus on the fact that I was gaining a sister.  I have to admit... sisters are WAY more fun! (Sorry Brody).

Anyways... my story is a little off track.  But the discussion with my friend was about how "awful" her SIL was.  After hanging up with her I was brought back to a verse of scripture that "Charlie" and I had discussed a couple of days ago.  It says:

"Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you."  Matthew 7:1&2

I know not everyone believes in God.  But I believe that everyone believes in something.  Whether it be God, Karma, Buddha, Allah, The Easter Bunny.... the list could go on forever.  Regardless.  Whatever you believe in, it can be applied to that piece of scripture.  It applies to the "what goes around, comes around" kind of mentality.  Everyone is the way they are for a reason.  We might not know every reason behind it, and we may never know, but we need to accept them.  The point is, when you judge others, you will be judged as well.  Judge them, as you yourself would want to be judged.

And in the wise words of another friend (who I'm pretty sure pirated this from The Beatles)  "All we need is love, love, love is all we need." (Words have been changed to suit my purpose)  Hope you all have a lovely day!