Stop Judging Covers

Every now and then we all need the reminder. Let's face it. I need it all the time. I had a major realization today, and I was just stunned by it.

I love this one kid that's a student of mine. I mean advisee. I mean, whatever. Awesome guy...well traveled, well geeky, well...whatever. I just love this kid. And I honestly want to say I never judged him, because I always liked him and included him and treated him like he is amazing, because he is. But today, he showed me he was really a man. A man in kid's clothing, mind you. But still a man.

When stuff like that happens, when quirky, seemingly unpolished, crazy dudes turn out to be generous, kind, insightful and mature, it just blows your socks off. I did mine. I'm laying in bed with my socks off, and I am amazed. I keep reworking things in my head, and my perspective has changed.

Never again will I ask him to dress a certain way. Never again will I emphasize the importance to speak a certain way. Never again will I wonder how he'll dress or what he'll say because it doesn't matter. On the inside, this kid is amazing. Who cares what he says or what he looks like. I mean he could be green cursing the sky until it's purple and I would not care.

All that matters is what's inside. I saw it today. I won't need to see it again.

So, whatever.

I saw someone for who they truly are, and it changed my life.