The smell of pride makes me sick!

'Okay, so today's post wont be eloquent with words; or even uplifting necessarily. It is somewhat of a vent but I think worthy of writing about and sharing.

Yesterday I had a date. The second one since my husband left in 2005. As I sat there talking to this man in a crowded Tim Horton's I see how much I have changed. (Hey I went on a date .. yay for me!)

It was a good reminder that, I am not deperate for a man. I don't need a man.. if God chose to bless me with one - great. But I do not need one. It was a freeing sort of feeling; and one where we could just talk and I could be praying and seeking God. I can afford to be picky at this point in my life. I would never demand perfection.. are you kidding me, I am a work in progress so he can be as well!

I listened as we shared stories, likes and dislikes, but I also was turned off  by what may have been confidence, but I felt it came across as pride. I dont need to hear about all the many great things YOU have done for God.

But the big thing I took away from it was that we all have a story. Mine is no worse or better than anyone else's.

What I walked away thinking on was how we as christians judge others. Yes, before you yell at me by email - I know nonchristians judge as well; but dont we as Christians sometimes forget all that wehave been forgiven and saved from?

When we judge others, or think we have it together and they don't; or even - that we have received something that someone else hasn't - we are really elevating ourselves up instead of being thankful and humble. Its one thing to share what God has done in your life; to speak truth into a situation - but its another to feel in your heart "you have arrived".

Ok, so maybe someone might understand Greek better; or someone might have a grasp on healthy eating; or perhaps you are freed from legalistic churches; or perhaps your silent anger and pride comes across better than someone else's tears .. who cares!!! In fact, pride stinks and in fact I am a pretty tolerant person.. but I can hardly stand pride or people who cant be taught.

Seriously, what makes someone else's crap and stuff .. (call it what you want) look or smell any better than anyone else's?  I write this because I have judged as well ... Today, I am simply tired of the wretched smell around me . Next time you get a big smell of a barn or a farmer's field spreading manure - I hope you do a check .. do I stink? Am I being prideful?

Reminded yesterday at church:  You who are without sin cast the first stone ...

That's all for now ....

Jacqueline