He came in the second day without his backpack.  I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and sigh. How can a 5th grader forget his backpack? Didn’t he feel like something was missing? 

Instead,  I asked him to walk me through his morning. Maybe I could help him.

“I pack my things and walk to the garage.  I put my backpack down and get my little sister.  Then I strap her into her car seat. I guess I forgot to get my backpack. ”

My irritation became empathy and respect. 

This illustrates why judging others can be harmful – to others and ourselves. We each have our own cross to bear.