My Way

Last night ‘Fabba’, a theatre company for adults with learning disabilities, presented their summer variety show. This wonderful evening of singing, dancing, laughter and fun included ‘My Way’…

As a young man I heard ‘My Way’ in the late 60s. A strong Frank Sinatra looks back over a good life and takes responsibility for the decisions he’s made. I found this inspirational.

But as a young Christian I heard a song about life without God. Jesus said, ‘I am the way’. I didn’t want to live life ‘My Way’. I wanted to live life God’s way.

As a teacher I taught the children… Be proud who you are… You don’t have to be like everyone else… Be independent… It’s OK to be you… Decide ‘My Way’ and go for it.

But I saw how those attitudes affect some adults. ‘My Way’ is about self-centredness, arrogance and ambition that has no regard for the needs or feelings of others.

In recent years I’ve heard ‘My Way’ played at several funerals. It’s seemed an entirely appropriate song. They’ve ‘faced the final curtain’ and ‘lived a life that’s full’. It’s brought a smile to those gathered…

But I feel the song short-changes the individual. Their life wasn’t about an isolated self-centred ‘My Way’. They’ll be remembered by friends and family as a loved one whose life’s affected many.

In last night’s Fabba show Stephen sung ‘My Way’. Stephen needs support in his daily life. He couldn’t hold down a job or live independently. He’s usually shy; I’ve found him difficult to relate to.

Listening to Stephen, I heard ‘My Way’ as I’d never heard it before. I heard not a strong, confident Sinatra, but a vulnerable man with significant additional needs, still singing with warmth, pride and passion.

I’m reminded that doing it Stephen’s way, is OK; ‘My Way’ can be about weakness and muddling through. Today I pray that as I live ‘My Way’, I’ll stay humble, and be able to help others live their ‘My Way’.