The Weed (11/14/2024)

I’ve noticed it every time I pass by it. It is actually quite impressive for what we’d call a weed. I love thistles. In fact, I have taken many photos of the flowers. They are quite beautiful. We humans are odd in many ways; we judge a creation according to our wishes and likes and we’ve put the thistle under the “weed” column. But should we be so quick to judge?

As I stood and looked at that thistle plant this morning, I thought of other things I’ve judged according to “my standards.” Perhaps I need to revisit those judgments. Perhaps I need to revisit judging in general. The thing about judging is that it rationalizes our treatment of the thing or person. That’s the thing I need to consider more carefully.

Jesus reminded us that we are not to judge one another. Judging belongs to the LORD when it comes to others. How about you? Are you as guilty as me in judging others in the community? Should we all take time to “reconsider”? Is there merit there we are missing? How does the LORD see the one we’ve judged critically? I wish I could see the other as the LORD does. How about you?

As I stood and took in that thistle this morning, I wondered who in my community had put me under the weed column, seen me as something that showed up uninvited. Am I a nuisance to others around me? I had to chuckle because truth be known, I have noticed a bristle or two in others as I’ve spoken to them. I am not native to the community in which I reside. Perhaps the long timers do judge me as a weed.

I said a little prayer this morning as I stood before the thistle. “LORD, stop me from judging others. Open my mind, my eyes, my heart to see them as You see them, to love them as You love them.”

Until tomorrow, let us all love well.