Often we determine what we do or do not do based on the reaction or expected reaction of others. Given the multitude of people and all the possible variations of responses, it seems quite silly. Still we do it. It is inherent in us to want to be loved and accepted. There is nothing wrong wanting to be loved an accepted. When it causes us to stop listening to the wisdom of our own hearts we go against what we were designed to do as children of God. I have learned the hard way that at the end of the day, it is between me and God. When I leave this earth, no one goes with me and each and every day no one else lives inside my head. My daily date with God reminds me to check with my heart and move from there. God knows our hearts and sits still within them. God invites us to explore the inner workings of our hearts by pausing and connecting. Upon reflection in the stillness of our hearts we have the courage to go ahead anyway. Mother Teresa lived by following what she knew from the stillness of her heart. No matter what others did or said, she went ahead anyway. She kept her version of “The Paradoxical Commandments,” written by Kent M. Keith on the wall in her home for children:
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.
My prayer for us is the courage to do what the stillness of our hearts speaks to us anyway today.
dailydatewithgod 
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