Selfish!
Self-centered!
Insensitive!
Inconsiderate!
Those were the words I was shouting in my head for my co-passenger.
I was on my way home from The Feast, and I took an FX ride as usual. I was the first passenger, so I decided to sit in front, beside the driver.
After a few minutes, that passenger got in. She seemed to be working as a security guard based on her uniform. That probably explains her boyish demeanor.
She chose to take the seat beside me. But when she sat, she sat as though nobody was beside her! She occupied more than the space she deserved!
I got irritated, so I made a deliberate movement to remind her that she was already grabbing some of my space. Hello!
No avail.
Her face was devoid of emotions. She was staring at a far distance.
I was seething with annoyance, but since I had just attended The Feast, the better part of me took over. I was able to control my mouth from hurling hurting words at her.
Her phone rang after a few minutes. Without meaning to, I heard what she said to the caller in a pained voice:
“Last day ko na ngayon. Natanggal ako sa trabaho.”
Why she lost her job? It did not matter to me anymore. I was already shrinking in shame for myself.
I was rebelling for the little space she unconsciously conquered from me, while she was in great pain from losing her job. All her actions — even her lack of reaction — were tell-tale signs she was going through something, but my insensitivity blinded me from noticing. Yes, I was the insensitive one. Not her.
The words I used to describe her were the very words that described myself that moment.
Since then, I would always remember her every time I am tempted to judge others whom I find annoying. I keep in mind that like her, they may also be carrying a heavy burden or are going through a painful experience.
I learned not to rely purely on the things I perceive, because what I can perceive is simply a speck of a bigger picture. There are many facets to every story, and who am I to judge when I do not know all the details — externally and internally?
Who am I to judge, when I had also hurt or offended others in the past — intentionally and unintentionally?
Who am I to judge, when I am not perfect myself? 
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.
“And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?” (Matthew 7:1-3, NLT)
