We have been taking our dog, Cooper, to the dog park for a few months now. Each and every dog has its own unique personality and I love watching them interact with each other. Attitudes adjust as different dogs arrive and depart each day, changing the dynamic of the park as each one comes and goes.
Everyone that knows me knows that I am a people person. There are a wide variety of dog owners at the park and I have enjoyed interacting with them. One man I have only seen recently stands off to the edge of the fence line, arms crossed, and a gruff look on his face as his two beautiful poodles play. He watches over them like a hawk and leaves without speaking to anyone. I have judged him as a lonely angry man.
Today I felt like God was prompting me to walk up and speak to him, so I did. We introduced ourselves and I found out the reason that he keeps his distance. A few months back his dogs were walking up to other owners, seeking affection and sometimes raring up on them, as all of our dogs do. Apparently, they did this to the wrong lady (whom I haven’t met) and she reported them to the Property Owners Association (POA) and he got a warning that if it happened again they would be banned from the dog park. I’m certain that everyone that I have met in the dog park would come to his defense, but my point is that I prejudged him before I talked to him. I’m so thankful that I introduced myself and I look forward to getting to know him better. I believe it’s a God thing.
Matthew 7:1 (NLT) - “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.”