“Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged”  (Matthew 7:1, CEB).

     Charlie is my pal. He meets me at the fence between our properties. Charlie is a seventy-pound Goldendoodle. He greets me each day with an enthusiastic woof and tail waggle.

     Sadly, Charlie is seeking a new home. His owner moved to a location that doesn’t accommodate dogs. Charlie’s “grandmother” has taken temporary custody, but is unable to care for Charlie long-term.

     A notice was placed on a group network called Nextdoor indicating that Charlie was for sale to a good home. To my chagrin, a few of the responses were unfairly critical. One person wrote she hated people who take in animals then abruptly part with their pet.

     What this critic does not recognize is that Charlie is a hand full. He has the energy of a hummingbird on Red Bull. Walking Charlie would be a challenge for a Bengal’s lineman, let alone a petite fifty-something woman.

     Jesus warned his followers against judging the intentions of others. Judging someone’s actions is one thing. Judging their motivations is another.

     Frankly, none of us can see what is in the head of the other person. Nor do we entirely know the circumstances they are experiencing. Besides, when you judge motives of others, you define yourself more than you define them.

     In Charlie’s case, his full-time working grandmother was trying her best to find a family who could provide Charlie with more love and attention than she was able. She was not acting irresponsibly, as a few people speculated. Rather this conscientious woman is doing what is most beneficial for Charlie.

     So, to my furry friend, know that you will be missed. Just as importantly, I pray you will be loved even more. And to my good neighbor, know that your good deed has not gone unnoticed.