"pass the gavel, please."

Ah, there is nothing more satisfying than the thunder that reigns down as justice is served. And if the earthquake that splits apart the floor as the gavel is smashed down isn't enough action for you, than you are truly a justice hater. That's right... na na na na boo boo, you justice hater.

Justice.

Hmm, that doesn't seem like a word to get very razzed up about these days. How about words like "government" or "sex?" Those tend to be hot topics.

But what exactly is justice? Does it dress up in spandex, save the world and make for mindless yet rather entertaining television? Is it when Chinese people ask for "just ice?" I know! It's when something is lawful! Maybe. But it's more than that.

Justice is about righteousness, but that's a messy topic, so let's keep it basic: in short, justice is getting what you had coming. By the way, I know that you're amazing just like me and we both have a huge inheritance coming simply because we deserve it. Right? Righttttt.

Alright, let's cut the crap. If you truly search the heart of your character, your motives, your intentions, the things that you think, say and do---you pretty much fail... epically. Basically, justice would be forced to beat your face in---Mike Tyson style (yes, even your ears are in danger).

So, why is it SO easy to play the judge?

It's sort of amazing to think that you have to get a degree to be a judge; everyone that I've ever met seems to fit the criteria for the job fairly well---especially me. I'd like to think that I read people well, but when I claim to know someone's philosophy of life by simply assuming their intentions based on the way that they act, I set myself on a pedestal and worship: I worship me.

And why is it so easy to make our own religion based upon our preferences, feelings and philosophies on principles of life? We complain about being alone yet often fail to embrace others.

We reject the unfamiliar. We despise the uncomfortable. We shun difference.

Every day I battle a desire to simply love people. But I get pissed, annoyed and flustered by something as small as an idea that is merely a contradiction to my own. I take things that aren't deservedly mine without a hint of gratitude and lust after things that are not for my heart to obtain.

It looks like the only just thing for me is... pain, suffering, death.

thank God for grace.

We could spend an eternity of bitterness and hate passing the gavel or start a revolution of life by choosing to love.

Take your pick.