Life Lessons: What To Learn And What To Earn

Not everything is given
To you absolutely free.
Some things you have to LEARN and EARN
In life to be who you're meant to be.

First off:  the freedom you enjoy
In the USA, was earned by
Troops who fought and died.  When you
See a service man, thank him--don't be shy.

Don't take our freedoms for granted.
We have freedom of speech--
Not to cut down others, to help
Them and to teach.

You are not automatically
Given respect by anyone--
You have to EARN it throughout your life.
Not by birth or title, but what you've done.

You must EARN people's trust,
Not by scams and ponzi schemes.
But by being someone they can count on,
Who won't laugh or gossip about their dreams.

You must LEARN to be
A decent human being.
People observe and listen
To what you do and what they're seeing.

You must LEARN to guard your
Temper--words said in anger
Can destroy the trust and respect
You may have built, and cause danger.

You must LEARN to be a good friend,
Always willing to help.
Sometimes hold a hand, lend a shoulder--
Or an ear, whatever so they're not by themselves.

You need to LEARN that there is
A God in Heaven who gave His only son--
To save us from our sins.
And loves you no matter what you've done.