If you were busy being glad

And cheering people who seem sad,

Although your heart might ache a bit,

You’d soon forget to notice it.

If you were busy being good,

And doing just the best you could,

You’d not have time to blame some man

Who’s doing just the best he can.

If you were busy being true

To what you know you ought to do,

You’d be so busy you’d forget

The blunders of the folks you’ve met.

If you were busy being right,

You’d find yourself too busy being quite

To criticize your brother long,

Because he’s busy being wrong.

-Edgar A. Guest