Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.”  Isaiah 30:21

This week I called a friend of mine to find out how she is doing.  She had recently admitted her husband to a nursing home after several years of trying to maintain him at home with increasing symptoms of dementia.  During my call, the answering service picked up.  I left a message indicating that she had been on my mind, that I was wondering how they were both doing, and told her they were in my prayers.  I also stated that I was sure this was a difficult time for her and that if she wanted to chat someday to just give me a call.  Now, several days later – I have yet to hear from her.  Am I sorry that I made the call?  No.  I have come to realize that there are times when folks are too emotional about situations, still processing how they feel, and that at present they are just unable to talk.  I get it; I’ve been there.  But it doesn’t stop me from making the call or sending the note.  People need to know they are cared about, and when they are ready they will respond.

A few years ago, Martina McBride recorded a song called “Anyway.”  Although I have heard it before, I never watched her video until recently.  It shows the hustle and bustle of a city street with written thoughts of what people may be thinking as they pass through their day.  Her chorus is haunting:

“God is great, but sometimes life ain’t good.  When I pray it doesn’t always turn out like I think it should. But I do it anyway. I do it anyway.”

Hearing McBride’s lyrics reminded me of words I heard years ago that were attributed to Mother Teresa. Here is the version found written on the wall in her home for children in Calcutta:

“People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.  Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.  Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.  Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.  Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.  Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.  Be happy anyway.

The good you do today will often be forgotten.  Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.  Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God.  It was never between you and them anyway.”

I know for a fact that the closer we are to God, His Holy Spirit prompts us  –  “. . . for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose”  (Philippians 2:13)  So if you are feeling His prompting today and are hesitant to follow through, do it anyway.

Reflection:  Listen to Martina McBride’s, ‘Anyway’ at:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uLtyzRgmyI 

Pay close attention to the promptings you are having to pray, call or visit someone, or do something for someone you might not know they need.  Don’t be surprised that your action may be a blessing in the life of another.

(MY NEXT DEVOTIONAL POSTING WILL BE UPLOADED ON JANUARY 18, 2014)