Poetry

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© Bob Barra, 7-26-07

While talking about eternal things,
Like judgment, souls, eternity,
Someone told me to “lighten up,”
Then I thought, “What do they see?
Should I lighten the heart I’m given,
With the truth it knows?”
Is this the heart of one forgiven,
Seeing God’s glory show?

I know a God who gloried in shame,
Nailed, whipped and bloody;
His Father gave Him the greatest name,
As His Agent of mercy;
In that mercy, I’ve gained His plan,
A plan of peace and hope,
To be made like that Man,
The One who, for me, gropes;

How can I be so abashed,
Lighten up, and set aside?
This is the Person, not some trash,
Who wants me to abide;
Who am I, to call and judge
Just what is important?
It’s a thought I can’t begrudge,
To live for the instant.

There will be a time to come,
When I can lighten up,
As I’ve learned from the Son,
When I drink that final cup;
But for now’s the time to work,
While there’s light of day;
Because of grace, I cannot shirk,
But look up and pray;

Through that prayer, born of His word,
I find desire to never stop;
It’s the Lord I have heard,
“Do not lighten up!”

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