THE CHIP ON YOUR SHOULDER
By: Edgar A. Guest
You’ll learn when you’re older that chip on your shoulder
Which you dare others to upset,
And stand up and fight for and struggle and smite for,
Has caused you much shame and regret.
When Time, life’s advisor, has made you much wiser,
You won’t be so quick with the blow;
You won’t be so willing to fight for a shilling,
And change a good friend to a foe.
You won’t be a sticker for trifles, and bicker
And quarrel for nothing at all;
You’ll grow to be kinder, more thoughtful and blinder
To faults which are petty and small.
You won’t take the trouble your two fists to double
When someone your pride may offend;
When with rage now you bristle, you’ll smile or you’ll whistle,
And keep the good will of a friend.
You’ll learn when you’re older that chip on your shoulder
Which proudly you battle to guard,
Has frequently shamed you and often defamed you
And left you a record that’s marred!
When you’ve grown calm and steady, you won’t be so ready
To fight for a difference that’s small,
For you’ll know when you’re older that chip on your shoulder
Is only a chip after all.
But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes the rain to fall on the just and the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect. -Matthew 5:43-48
Have an AWE-full Weekend!
William “Bill” Bacque