I love going on vacation but sometimes having idle time leaves too much space to contemplate things that I wouldn’t otherwise have time to in my very busy life.

Going into the second half of my life I wonder if it’s been a life well lived. Have I used the gifts at my disposal to make a positive impact on the world… have I lived a life of integrity? Have I been of service to others, to my family, to my kids?

But mainly, have I loved others well?

As a Christian, the concept of loving others is such an understated fundamental. I think people miss the message here. Christianity is a synonym for love. It’s something you “do” - people should know you’re a Christian by what you do more than what you say.

I was discussing the merits of Christianity with a friend who was focused on the judgement she felt by other Christians. I’m not sure how self-professed Christians came to the conclusion that somehow, they were placed in a position to judge others but the truth is it’s the exact opposite. The point of Christianity is that we don’t have the right to judge others because we are all so flawed and imperfect ourselves. I don’t understand why Christians do such a bad job representing their faith. I also don’t understand why people judge Christianity by these people that aren’t representatives of the faith.

I think my friend felt comforted by our conversation, at the very least she knew she was loved by me and not judged in any way. I encouraged her to give others, including me, the same latitude and grace. We are all just imperfect people trying to figure it out.

“For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you.”