Merry Christmas!

I had read 'The Paradoxical Commandments' by Dr. Kent Keith a long time ago but for some reason, the slight variation by Mother Theresa made more of an impact on me. So in the spirit of Christmas, and because I believe this is something to remember and strive for regardless of whether you're religious, agnostic, atheist, spiritual or whatever else, I leave you with Mother Theresa's version. In today's world, it's easy to forget what's written below but I hope today, of all days, we remember.

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 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 was never between you and them anyway.