Traveling this week. At the airport yesterday I experienced twice incidents where I (we) could make a judgement drawing a conclusion from the appearance of someone’s story, only to find out the rest of the story and come to a startling different conclusion.
Today is Mardi Gras–in English, Fat Tuesday. It is a final day of eating and drinking before entering Lent. Lent is a time of inward looking, fasting (for some), penitence, preparing our hearts for the victory of resurrection.
So maybe we see someone tonight partying, eating rich foods, perhaps an extra glass of wine. Then tomorrow we see them with ashes on their forehead. If we saw only one or the other would we have their story?
Or perhaps we need the rest of the story. We need the inner discipline to refrain from the rush to judgement about other people. Or even ourselves.
Faith Venture 
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