The line was: "keep on doing the right thing."
Here's the context. Barrett had spent some time with Cindy, Jay's cousin visiting from out of town, at Jay's request. Jay tried to even bribe him to do so. Priscilla, Barrett's friend (special friend?), became jealous and a communication breakdown happened, leaving Barrett wondering what he had done wrong and how the wires had been crossed. Barrett was speaking with the older gentleman from the store, Mr. Whittaker, about the situation. Mr. Whittaker told him the girls being upset with Barrett had nothing to do with him, but rather with them not understanding the situation and their insecurities getting the best of them. Barrett wondered what to do in this situation. Mr. Whittaker advised him to 'keep on doing the right thing.'
This gave me food for thought. We later learn that Jay had been helping the wires get crossed and had been causing some of the chaos, but meanwhile, what about the situation?
Barrett and Priscilla both had the opportunity to visit with Cindy. Barrett took the time to be kind and gracious. Later Cindy thought Barrett had been bribed to be with her and was hurt. Priscilla was hurt that the two had a good time together.
When the three of them were able to talk it out, they realized that there wasn't anything of concern, other than their insecurities that grew after Jay had planted seeds of doubt.
Barrett could have decided to avoid trying to talk with Cindy after the mix up. After all, he was a little confused and hurt himself. What had he done to deserve everyone getting mad at him?
Barrett took Mr. Whittaker's advice and proceeded to keep on doing the right thing. In his case, it was to go say goodbye to Cindy and to let her know his time with her wasn't due to a bribe. When Priscilla showed up, that's when the three of them were able to talk it out, though Priscilla almost left out of jealousy.
The situation could have turned out any other number of ways if the individuals had put up walls, listened to their doubts/fears/insecurities, or avoided dealing with the situation. But, they walked through the journey with the strength, grace, love humility and came out in a better place at the end.
Healing can and will take place as we walk those journeys. Those journeys are often difficult and painful and confusing, yet very worth any and all effort given toward unity in community.
Barrett got caught in the middle of a situation in which he didn't even realize things had gone sour. Yet, he sought out advise. He listened to that advice and he heeded (obeyed) that advice. Being in the middle of situations isn't easy. There is often what is known as a creative tension because of the paradox.
The Methodist tradition is a middle way, a via media. Things aren't always black and white. This past week, Dr. Seamands spoke about this and mentioned that not all people are comfortable with the middle way. Though there is creative tension along the way, it is a good fit for me. Not only because of Wesley's foundations, but because Wesley closely followed Christ's examples in living out the faith. Unless I'm reading it wrong, it seems to me that Christ lived out the paradoxes well and is an excellent model. Christ knew what the right thing to do was. When Christ was in a situation in which he needed more input, Christ took time with the Father. We have the opportunity to seek out what is the right thing from God the Father, Christ the son, and from the Holy Spirit, our teacher and guide. That doesn't make it any easier. With these resources, with prayer, Scripture, and the support of the community, hopefully we can keep on doing the right thing, step by step.
In my personal life, there are times that I have found myself in Barrett's place, not knowing exactly why things were the way they were or what I had done. "Keep on doing the right thing" and attempting to grow through relationally, emotionally, and spiritually has been my goal in these times.
A book I read several years back has helped me grow relationally. Though it is written by Asbury professors that I've had for past classes, it wasn't required reading for any class. It was fun reading. Holeman, Virginia Todd and Martyn, Stephen L. Inside the Leader's Head: Unraveling Personal Obstacles to Ministry. Abingdon Press: 2008.
If you find yourself in a situation and you're questioning what to do, my advice would be the same as that of Mr. Whittaker: "Keep on doing the right thing."
Blessings on your journey,
Debra
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