zoom in

this whole legal battle that our friends are going through really has me distracted often.  i think about how judgmental i was of the parents of the children we fostered while we were in jersey.  i think about how judgmental i am about parents who haven't even had their children taken from them.  of course we know that God will judge in the end, but who has the right to judge while we are on this earth?  and to what standards should everyone be held to?  and should everyone be held to the same standard?  some were taught better than others, and therefore have a greater advantage when they have children.  they have all the great techniques, resources, and skills at their fingertips.  others had no parental model to speak of, yet still yearn to be parents themselves.  should they be expected to perform at the level of the others?  i understand now why justice and mercy must work hand in hand to establish consequence and judgment.  but does our mortal law leave room for mercy?  and how difficult it must be for someone to bear the burden of judging without possessing the omnipotence that God has.  i can pass judgment and call it opinion, but i will never have all the facts.

if someone possesses lesser parenting skills and common sense than the next person, does that mean they should be denied the right to care for a child?  there are homes that are immaculately kept, yet not much love exists and no one is ever home to enjoy the cleanliness.  there are homes where you are constantly walking on clothing and crumbs, but the children always prefer to be home.  of course, balance is ideal.  but where should the state draw the line?  and everyone seems to be measured against the same line, no matter what.  where's the mercy in that? 

sure our friends made mistakes; sure they are not perfect.  but how would our family fare under the microscope?  would we pass a courtroom test?