Occasionally we may feel that it is a waste of time and energy to act with integrity, compassion, and concern for all. Especially when our efforts don’t seem appreciated. When rejected, we may be reluctant to try again even though everything in our souls cries out for us to move forward.
Mother Teresa, who certainly lived a life that is an example for all of us, wrote the following. Perhaps she also felt let down at times.
ANYWAY
People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered,
Love them anyway
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives,
Do good anyway
If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies,
Succeed anyway
The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow,
Do good anyway
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable,
Be honest and frank anyway
What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight.
Build anyway
People really need help but may attack you if you help them,
Help people anyway
Give the world the best you have, And you’ll get kicked in the teeth,
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.
The above are 8 of the 10 “Paradoxical Commandments” by Kent M. Keith on the wall of Mother Teresa’s children’s home in Calcutta.
Keep moving toward your goals with integrity and compassion. When confronted with resistance, smile and do it anyway.
Affirmation for the Week:
“I act, think, and “be” with no expectations in return, and there I find peace and contentment.”
Have a doing and giving week!