Take the next shift

“Take the Next Shift” that was written by a colleague of mine when I was high school teacher. He was a wonderful teacher, loving husband, caring father and grandfather, coached hockey, football and basketball. In his retirement years cancer was able to get a hold of him. He wrote this poem when he did not have much time left to his family encouraging them to carry on even when life throws chaos and strife at you.

It's always the same in the game or life
A constant barrage of chaos and strife.
So rely on your talents, God's generous gift
Forget your laments and take the next shift.

Backwards thinking is what the weak ones do
They get bogged down and can't come through.
But we never give up when we get miffed
We bounce right up and take the next shift.

Prompt and prepared we get all jobs done
Ignoring the storm and seeking the sun.
Focus on tomorrow; don't let your mind drift
Yesterday is long gone so take the next shift

While others complain and flail in the mire
We forge straight ahead, our spirit won't tire.
When the weaklings flag we give them a lift
Forever ready to take the next shift.

Life has sorrow and joy in equal amounts
How you handle them both is what really counts.
So I'm calling on you not to dwell in the past
Help me through my next shift; I fear it's my last.

May God Bless You All.
~Written By Kelly Lovering