who stands by
When trouble come your soul to try,
You love the Friend who just stands by,
Perhaps there's nothing he can do,
The thing is strictly up to you,
For there are troubles all your own,
And paths the soul must tread alone,
Times when love can't smooth the road,
Nor friendship lift the heavy load.
But just to feel you have a Friend
Who will stand by until the end,
Whose sympathy through all endures,
Whose warm handclasp is always yours,
It helps somehow to pull you through,
Although there's nothing he can do:
And so with fervent heart we cry,
"God Bless the Friend who just stands by"

Author Unknown

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many person strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself, especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less then the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be, and whatever you labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be careful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann 1927

Please note: There has been much confusion as to when this poem was written. This beautiful piece was written by Max Ehrmann in 1927. There are many people who still believe that this poem was written in 1692.Until recently, I also thought the explanation following this piece "Found in Old St. Paul's Church, Baltimore dated 1692" was true. The year 1692 has nothing whatsoever to do with when the poem was written, but instead it is the founding date of the church.

I am not sure if the copyright for this piece is still in effect or who owns the copyright to thispoem. If you own the copyright to this beautiful piece and wish to have it removed or receive proper credit, please email me immediately.