Clean Slates and Patient Hearts

This was posted by a FB friend this morning 

and it really struck a chord. 
It also made me think of another line 

I'd like to add to it:

and the confidence to form our own opinions.

These lessons have been so terribly lost in today's society.  

People can be incredibly judgmental, 

basing their opinions on what others say 

rather than figuring things out for themselves. 

How often do you approach someone,

already armed with opinions and expectations 

that you've created based upon 

gossip and hearsay?
Or perhaps even impressions they've given you

based only on their outward appearance?

And let's be honest.

There have been times when

you've even created a monster in your mind

only to meet the person and think

"Wow. You know, she's actually very nice."

I confess.

Guilty as charged.

I'm not proud of it.

It's just a fact.

 But I am changing all that.

It's part of a big ol' remodeling I've been undergoing

the last couple of years.

I'm making changes to the only thing in this world

over which I have any real control:
MYSELF.

Important changes are usually the toughest to make.

Being less judgmental is important.

Being kind is important.

Having an open and patient heart is important.

I will create a blank slate for each person I meet.

 I will allow them to write on it 

the story they want me to read.

I will let them be the person they choose to be

rather than forcing them into some mold I've

already chosen for them.

I'll allow them to set the tone of our relationship.

I will follow my own instincts.

And...

I will hope and pray that from this day forward,

others will give me

that same opportunity.

Because,

you know,

people will become what you expect of them.

 It's human nature to respond in kind

to the way others behave toward you.

And more than that...

given good reason to do so,

PEOPLE CHANGE.

Be what you'd like to see in others.

Simple.