Corny But Lovely

I’m so ridiculously proud and happy about my progress throughout this summer’s Spartan Challenge — and the surprise announcement yesterday that I tied for third place — that I can’t really talk or write about it yet. I’m just giddy. (Take a few minutes and check out the amazing results of the rest of the Spartans; I’m so excited to be part of this group of superstars.)

While I sort out my thoughts, I’d thought I share this poem. Yes, it’s corny. Yes, it’s heavy-handed. Yes, it’s dangerously close to being a motivational poster.

So what?

It’s lovely.

The story is that Mother Teresa hung a copy of this poem on a wall in the orphanage she founded in Calcutta. Its original source is unknown.

People are often unreasonable,
illogical 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 false friends and
some true enemies;
Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank,
people may cheat you;
Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building,
someone could destroy overnight;
Build anyway.

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

The good you do today,
people will often forget tomorrow;
Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have,
and it may never be enough;
Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis.
it is between you and God;
It is never between you and them anyway.