Last Friday, a good friend and I met for breakfast to discuss various topics and he shared with me an interesting perspective that had been given to him.
"We judge others by their actions, but we want people to judge us by our intentions."
Since that breakfast at Goldberg's, the quote seems to rattle back and forth through my mind. At home or work, I sometimes wonder why others don't see my true intentions.
Usually it will go something like this: We will be in an intense situation where time is of the essence and someone on our team does not understand or is missing a key ingredient for success. I typically will make a suggestion or give a hint to them so that their work is done quicker, more successfully or more easily. However, I may come across as cocky or arrogant or demanding. My intention is to make that person and their work better. I wouldn't try to hurt or overbear in any way, but the action or words came out that way.
I understand. I judge people the same way. Why? I can't see inside. I haven't the ability, without deep thought, careful consideration, and intentional prayer, to see intentions, only actions. Actions are seen and we can process actions fast, but intentions are hidden and can take considerable time to understand.
But, as the golden rule says, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I want to be judged in sum by my intentions and my actions. Maybe I will never know someone's intentions, but I'm going to work to not be so quick in judging someone else before I at least consider and attempt to know their intentions.