"Do not throw your pearls before swine..."

"Let me love you, my Lord and my God, and see myself as I really am – a pilgrim in this world, a Christian called to respect and love all whose lives I touch, those in authority over me or those under my authority, my friends and my enemies. Help me to conquer anger with gentleness, greed by generosity, apathy by fervor. Help me to forget myself and reach out towards others." (Prayer attributed to Clement XI of Rome)

The Lord truly knows what is going on in every fiber of my body.  Yesterday, I was ranting about other people's behaviors and how I am trying very hard not to fight fire with fire because, well, they aren't worth it.  Today, the Lord convicts me.  And reminds me that no matter what type of people I encounter, I should always look at them as God's children, too.  

Maybe God sent them my way so I could practice patience and teach me the value of kind words and what they can do.  Maybe God wants me to be aware of my "critical spirit" and help me in giving it up.  *Sigh*  The Lord truly loves me and firmly but lovingly reprimands me when I do something which does not please Him.