(
Judgments
So I’m sitting at the Orange County airport, aka John Wayne airport, aka Santa Ana airport (it actually borders Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, and Santa Ana). The airport obviously has some identity issues. Anyway, I’m sitting there and down about six or so seats is a guy munching away on some McDonald’s french fries. Mind you, this is about 10AM, so I’m sure it’s his breakfast.
He’s obviously overweight, has a paunch, looked rather disheveled, and I’m thinking he probably also drinks a lot of beer. So as I’m watching him out of the corner of my eye, I hear the voice of judgment in my head: “I don’t eat MacDonald’s fries. They’re bad for you. I’ve seen the movies, read the books, and know that there’s all sorts of bad stuff in there. He must not be as intelligent or as well-informed as I am. Otherwise he would have something healthier. I’m glad that I don’t eat that stuff and that I know so much more about the right foods to eat.”
But damn those fries smelled good! I can remember what they taste like, and I bet they’d taste real good right now!
Okay, busted! Judgment time! So then it was, “Okay Steven, let’s take a look at your eating habits. Yes, you do eat salads and good, healthy, organic foods and little meat. And yes, it’s true you wouldn’t eat McDonald’s food, and yes, you have read a lot about food and don’t eat a lot of meat. But what about all that popcorn you eat? And ice cream? And pizza? So Mr. Smarty Pants, what’s the deal here judging this other guy?”
Okay, stopped me in my tracks. Had to smile and laugh at this shadow of arrogance that pops up once in awhile. Maybe even more than I notice.
Didn’t get the fries though. Got a donut instead.
