It is so easy to judge when life is treating you kindly. I know because I have walked down that perfect road of flawless perfection, turning my nose up at those who were struggling with life.

In a sick sort of misdirected mindset, there were even times I allowed my ego to swell with pride assuring myself it was because I was living “right” that good fortune found me.

The worst was when I viewed situations as only black or white, making no room for shades in the middle.

Yes, that was me, flawless to a fault, walking blindly along in life, and clueless to another perspective of reality, of course, until my bubble was burst, forcing me to have to accept another way of life and all its icky warts and hues of gray.

I will admit it was a terribly painful experience, but without it, I may have never removed my rose-colored glasses.

This week, a student at Warren Central Junior High School made a terrible decision, which created chaos for hundreds.  As a parent, I totally understand the concern and fear pulsating through the minds of other moms and dads. Make no mistake, I get it, but also as a parent I am feeling heartbroken for the children involved and their families.

And, before I cast out any judgement on these individuals, my life experiences have taught me to pause for a moment and wait until I know more about the situation.

Unfortunately, before I was brought to my knees by the darker sides of life, I would probably have been just like the many who have taken to Facebook with their verbal jabs and punches. Like them, I, too, would have called out the parents and insinuated they must also be bad, just like their kids.

Well folks, I would love to tell you I hold expert parenting skills and that my little babies have never been in any jams, but I would be lying.

Regrettably, I have not raised perfect people, and because I realize none of us gets to be perfect, I just cannot cast judgment on the families and children involved in Wednesday’s bomb threat incident at Warren Junior High.

First, I need to know more information before I boldly accuse so I can try to understand what could have happened to push these children into causing such pandemonium.

With our heightened fear of terrorism, what could have been a prank or retaliation to bullying in the recent past has unfortunately taken on a much greater concern, certainly. But it does not give us cause to castigate those involved until we know more. Slamming the family members on social media will not make the situation any better, and to think if it were my child and me reading those negative messages, I am just not sure how I could stand having my heart pierced further.

Christmas is in 13 days, and we will celebrate the birth of a child that came in the name of love.  It is those who are suffering the most who truly need to feel the spirit of the season.

As a community, I think we need to embrace these children and their families with love, not judgement, and we should provide them with all the resources necessary to help them through these dark days.

None of us will ever have spotless lives, but because of a little baby born in a stable, we do have perfect love.