"IF"

I got this poem in a card from my Grandparents for my highschool graduation (YIKES... "awhile" back (my how time flies)...). I love the poem when I read it, and just came across it online the other day. I think there is a lot of truth to it (truth that goes much deeper...) :

“If”

If you can take whatever life may hand you,

And from it try to fashion something good;

If you know that others may not understand you,

But you keep right on doing what you should;

If you can watch a friend go off without you,

And know that you can take such things in stride;

If you are kind and just to all about you,

And let the golden rule become your guide;

If you are wronged and still can be forgiving,

Believing it is better to forget;

If you think that there is too much joy in living,

To waste time on anger and regret;

If you can accept failure and not mind it,

But stop to learn the lesson it may teach;

If you resist temptation when you find it,

Remembering the goal you wish to reach;

If you can hold your own when you’re not winning,

And know you can achieve the things you’ve planned;

If you can proudly make a new beginning,

And never lose your faith in God and man;

You will find that success is waiting if you’re willing,

That happiness is there for all who try;

Your life will be rewarding and fulfilling,

And nothing good will ever pass you by!
~ Author Unknown
(to me right now anyway)