The Bible informs us that we see through a glass darkly. Sometimes we need to take a step back and look at our lives. This occurred when Miami-Dade County Judge Mindy Glazer posed a simple question.
Arthur Booth stood before Judge Glazer accused of burglary. During the bond hearing the judge realized that she may have known Mr. Booth. So, she asked a question that brought Mr. Booth to tears.
“Mr. Booth, I have a question for you,” The judge said. “Did you go to Nautilus for Middle School?”
You can see Arthur Booth’s reaction below:
Often, as the saying goes “we can’t see the forest for the trees.” The small choices we make affect our lives. Like the first time we chose to get drunk or the first time we tried marijuana. Putting off our education because within work enough to afford it and then forgoing it altogether.
As is the case for many people, we start to blame others for the poor choices in our lives. It is because of this person I cannot do this or that. It is because of that group,” those rich people” than I can never get ahead.
The truth is there are obstacles in life, many obstacles. Roadblocks that are difficult to overcome. But that is true for everyone. It is not about the roadblocks, it is about the choices.
We’re all given choices. Choices to do what is right or choices to do what is wrong. Over time, these choices accumulate into the path that we walk in life.
The judge and the accused burglar standing before her once schoolmates and middle school, both were intelligent, kind, and talented. But their places in life couldn’t be further apart today.
It was not because of race or gender or economic standing, it was because of choices made. That is why Arthur Booth was crying.
Coming face-to-face with his close middle school friend caused him to realize the cost of his choices. He chose poorly.
I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying his voice and holding fast to him, for he is your life and length of days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them.”
-Deuteronomy 30:19 – 20
