Sooner or later, a man, if he is wise, discovers that life is a mixture of good days and bad, victory and defeat, give and take. He learns that it doesn't pay to let things get his goat; that he must let some things go over his head like water off a duck's back. He learns that carrying a chip on his shoulder is the quickest way to get into a fight. He learns that buck-passing acts as a boomerang. He learns that carrying tales and gossip about others is the surest way to become unpopular. He learns that giving others a mental lift by showing appreciation and praise is the best way to lift his own spirits. He learns that the world will not end when he fails or makes an error; that there is always another day and another chance. He learns that listening is frequently more important than talking, and that he can often make a friend by letting the other fellow tell his troubles. He learns that all men have burnt toast for breakfast now and then, and that he shouldn't let their grumbling get him down. He learns that people are not any more difficult to get along with in one place than another, and that "getting along" depends about 98 per cent on his own behavior.
When trouble comes your soul to try, You love the friend who just "stands by. Perhaps there is 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 know you have a friend Who will "stand by" until the end, Whose sympathy, through all endures, Whose warm handclasp is always yours- And so with fervent heart you cry, "God bless the friend who just 'stands by'."