Beautiful

Random thought for the day, "Take a picture, it lasts longer." Such a common phrase, but I was thinking tonight how sometimes that's not what I want. Sometimes that moment in time isn't relateable or maybe it's not necessarily a pretty picture. It goes along the same lines as first impressions are the most important. Well, my question is, what happens when you give a poor first impression? Perhaps you can change that person's mind eventually but does that initial thought stay there forever?

The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks
at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

 ~1 Samuel 16:7

I've grown up judging my whole life. Hard to admit but it's true. How many times have I allowed myself to form an opinion about someone and let it affect the way I interact with them? Probably too many times. Does our initial judgments affect our relationships daily? What if I missed out on a great friendship because of my judgment....

Matthew 7:1-5 

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye."

I want this to be my prayer for this week. Also, I often ponder about what's considered sinful or not. Maybe that's sinful alone, trying to figure it out. But I'm still learning, hearing, and believing. New convictions arise daily and I'm still trying to dig deep. Is it sinful for me to form an opinion? No, I don't necessarily think so, but I do believe that it's sinful for me to form an opinion and let it stir up anger or resentment.

I'm trying to learn the beauty of difference. [my thoughts are so random tonight :)  ]

This picture...may sound weird but I think it's precious. Not saying I would go and buy this cat, but it's proof. It's proof that something can be either seen as lovely or ugly. The wrinkles sort of grosses me out, the lack of fur is strange, but the picture is beautiful to me. I don't know what point i'm really trying to prove but I'm thinking about beauty. Maybe this all links together:

beauty/judgment/opinion

Aren't they all sort of the same? Beauty is an opinion. To define beauty you must judge.

I absolutely love beautiful precious things, and it's possible to find it in everything.

Even in personalities I don't necessarily mold with, in strangers I don't know, in hairless animals that are meant to be furry and cuddly, in cold dark places, etc...

My random thoughts for the day.