Forgive Them Anyway
Remember the good ole’ days when chivalry, good manners, courtesy, compassion, sensitivity, concern for each other, patrioticism, kindness, politeness, respectfulness, graciousness, consideration, and thoughtfulness were the norm? At least, it seemed like the norm, but as I just typed that question, Eddie Haskell from “Leave It To Beaver” came to mind. Okay, I know there are just a few of you who remember Eddie, but those of us who will admit it, we remember how considerate and polite Eddie was when Mrs. Cleaver (June) was around, but when out of her sight and hearing, he was as ornery and mean as the day was long.
So, while it seems like things have changed from the past, there were always those who leaned toward the wild side, the mean, disrespectful, angry, and bitter side — those who could find something negative in every situation, instead of looking for, and finding the good.
Case in point. Today I clicked on my FB Newsfeed when there was a news station announcing that a specific political candidate was LIVE right now. It sidetracked me and I watched it. While I watched, there were comments after comments being made, “likes and love” symbols were flashing across the screen, and “sad faces” were too. I could hardly believe how mean and angry some of the comments were and I could hardly believe how polar opposite the upbeat, celebratory and happy comments of others were on the same feed. It didn’t take long for me to “x” out of that feed. Why would I want to lend myself to such rivalry? I get that people are afraid, angered, upset, and confused about this world we live in, but there is such a better way of expressing ourselves. My Mama said it best, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all!”
My Mama and Mother Teresa had a lot in common when it comes to loving and caring. Here’s the way Mother Teresa put it:
“People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
― Mother Teresa