The Parts You Can't see

I went to the grocery store a few months ago and I just so happened to be alone, solo, NO KIDS IN TOW. It was such a pleasant trip....no screams, begging, or bathroom stops.  As the trip went on I was struck by the interaction I received from my fellow shoppers. Ok, so my usual trip might sound something like this:

Well hello! What beautiful children....Are they ALL yours????

Where's there Daddy????

Oh let me help you pick up all those boxes

They are so well behaved! ( not really ;) just had to slide that one in on you)

And THEN my children act like they have never had human interaction before! The make unfamiliar sounds, cower, cross their little eyes, stair blankly , OR speak rudely. (We are a work in progress)

Now, this particular child free day, I had no such occurrences.  I thought "wow people see me as something different"  maybe a young woman, a single woman, a college student, I don't really know, but I do know that I felt like I had a different title. Then I thought, "oh but if my scars were exposed....if they could see my c-section scar they would know I was a mom.  If they could see my left shoulder they would know I've had major surgery.  If they could see those things how would they treat me?"  Probably like someone with life experiences.  And those are just some of my physical scars...What if my emotional scars were on display as well? 

I was overwhelmed with regret.  How many times do I misjudge someone based on what I can see?  What if their scars were showcased for the whole world to see?  Would my compassion be stirred?  Would I be more likely to relate...be more tolerant...more relaxed?

My prayer is that I can see passed someones appearance and actions. That I'll have compassion, patience and understanding for those in my path today!  What about you...do you struggle with being critical ?