Judgment

Romans 2:1 (NIV) - God’s Righteous Judgment
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.

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I am a judgmental person. I feel we all are at times. However, what really bothers me is when those closest to me are judgmental toward my actions and decisions.

I was called greedy today for all the things I had on my bridal registry thus far. Kody and I went on Saturday to Bed, Bath, and Beyond to register, and after several hours came back with about 200 things on our list. Our consultant told us that we were being overly conservative both in the number overall items and in the price of items on our list. Our only "expensive" item was a KitchenAid mixer (which is totally worth it, he said).

So, being told I am being greedy and look pretentious from someone who:

1. has never been married and never done a registry
2. is guilty of being "greedy" in many facets of her life
3. has no idea what Kody and I are going through with the pressure of our wedding
4. wasn't there when he and I went out of our way to avoid things we already own and to choose the cheapest items we possibly could

....is frustrating to me. I can't wait to see what this person is like when she one day gets married. Things completely change when you actually have to make the decisions now. When you have a consultant telling you this is the one and only chance for you to get those nice things from those who love you and want to spend the money on you, you feel like your decisions are worth it.

Sure, Kody and I put things on there we would NEVER buy ourselves. But it is more of a wishlist than anything. I am told time and time again that I will be shocked by the sheer generosity of those I invite and by the number of gifts I do receive, no matter how small my guest list. I am not creating these registries with a greedy heart and with the expectation that I will receive it all. Heck, if I get half of it, I will be shocked. I want to give people options. I want to make their decisions easier. Who cares if I put three different measuring cups on there? If I give people many options, then they can choose what they want. With price points ranging from $1.99 to one thing that is $350, I feel like Kody and I are doing a great job. 

I need to stop worrying about what others think. I know everyone is going to have an opinion about my wedding, and I know I am going to get most angry when it is coming from those who have NO IDEA what is entailed in planning a wedding, but I need to stop sweating it. Honestly, I just want to be married. I don't need the gifts. I don't need the big ceremony and reception. I don't need an expensive dress or manicure. I just want to be married. It is these technicalities that are expected of me as a bride, so I am going to do what society wants from me. 

Once I am married, I can stop worrying about everyone else's input in the matter.