"Judge not.........."

 Reminding myself every day, that being judgemental is wrong, has become my daily mantra. Problem is.....I'm really great at judging others. I know what I like and believe, and it's difficult for me to accept that not everyone has the same standards.

High on my list, of acceptable living, is indoor plumbing. Sewers have been around since Roman Times. There have been lots of improvements since then, so it seems logical to me that we should be taking advantage of them.  Running water, flush toilets, bathtubs and showers. Great inventions, and I'm not living without them. 

Someone once tried to explain to me that living "off the grid" was preferable to living a normal 21st Century life. I know that we "modernists" are often guilty of excess. No one really needs a triple car garage, or the vehicles that reside in each bay. But, it's nice to be able to drive or ride somewhere when one needs transportation. Seriously, when an emergency trip to the hospital is needed, I'm going to want a ride, via ambulance if necessary, to a near-by modern hospital (preferably with running water).

I get the off-grid appeal of alternative energy. Many folks I know have a back-up generator and/or wood burning stoves and fireplaces. But, if the temperatures get below freezing or climb to the 100s plus, I need some seriously modern HVAC. A cook stove, electric or gas, is a necessity to most everyone. 

Refrigeration is convenient, too. I like to eat.

The argument for off-grid living (let me venture to use the word "primitive", because average Americans have not lived without plumbing and electricity, for over a hundred years) is that "we don't have to depend upon anyone for anything. We are self-sufficient". Really? Do you grow cotton, spin, weave your own cloth, hand-sew your own clothes? How about food? Build your own homes and roads?

Community is important. And, where two or more are gathered, a toilet is almost necessary, let alone  modest. Human contact has been found to be essential to good mental health. Those "Off Grid, Alone and Survivor" shows, have actually been filmed by a sufficient group of cameramen, make-up artists, wardrobe experts, directors, etc....all using and needing modern conveniences. Bet they all dive into nice modern campers, the minute that filming is over.

.................................................................................................................................................................

Lord. We are all different. We have specific wants, needs and hopes. What all of us have in common is your Good Grace. Remind us to live kindly and fairly with one another, celebrate our differences and try not to be judgemental. We must walk with You. Acceptance is a virtue.