ONCE UPON A SHELF - NO LONGER BY MYSELF

When it seems all is going wrong

And things are closing in.

When problems are all you seem to have

And you're reaching your ropes end.

Take some time to realize

That you're sitting on a shelf.

It seems so very lonely there

With just your problems and yourself.

As you sit there lost and alone

You wonder what to do.

In all this time you've never noticed

All those people just like you.

Yes they're surely out there

Trying to survive.

Struggling through life from day to day

But never quite alive.

So open up your eyes                

And hop down off that shelf.

Find someone who needs a friend

And you can help yourself.

A friendly smile a helping hand

A warm and open heart.

These are the things within yourself

That will help you make a start.

Start helping others with their problems

And learn to share your own.

Before you know it you'll be off that shelf

And know you're not alone.

This is just a simple recipe

To help you down life's road.

You'll find the world a much better place

When you learn to share the load.

When I wrote this poem

I had yet to understand

Even though the words were God’s

They were interpreted by a man.

I had always known God

Since I was just a youth

It’s only when I met his son

That I understood the Truth.

It’s true when we are lost

We need to share the load

But the reason we are lost

Is  we’re not on the narrow road.

Once I got to know him

I was sure he is the way.

I found that I’m never alone

In peace he helps me stay.

There is never a load to heavy

Or a burden to big to share

All you need to do is call him

Because he is always there.

When we allow him in our lives

He brings us joy to heal our soul

And as we learn his lessons

Serving others becomes our goal.

The only people on the shelf

Were just I and me.

When I put Jesus in my heart

I had new eyes to see.

I had put Jesus on a shelf

And now he’s my guiding light.

He has led me to the narrow road

And given me new sight.

So next time you’re on that shelf

Take the time to look around

You will find him there with you

He’s always waiting to be found.

And when you finally find him

He will take away your load

Then he will have you showing others

The way to the narrow road.  

By William C. Scheel II

          (Bill)       (Shale)

First Part: 1980’s

February 13, 2011