Just Three Dollars Worth?

“I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please.

 

Not enough to explode my soul and disturb my sleep.

Not enough to take control of my life.

I just want enough to equal a cup of warm milk.

Just enough to ease some of the pain of my guilt.

 

I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please.

 

I would like to find a love that is pocket-sized.

I don’t want enough of God to make me love a foreigner or pick beets

With a migrant.

Not enough to change my heart.

I can only stand just enough to take to church when I have time.

Just enough to equal a snooze in the sunshine.

I want ecstasy, not transformation.

I want warmth of the womb, but not a new birth.

 

I would like to purchase a pound of the eternal in a paper sack.

If it doesn’t work, I would like to get my money back.

I would like to buy three dollars worth of God, please.

 

I would like to hide some for a rainy day.

Not enough for people to see a change in me.

Not enough to impose any responsibility.

Just enough to make folks think I am OK.

 

Could I just get three dollars worth of God, please?”

-Wilber Rees

 

Oh Lord, please remove my ease-loving heart which replaces the vital, living relationship with Christ for a placid, warm one. As Christ humbled Himself unto death, surrendered to obedience, so humble my own heart. Change me so that I may reflect your light.

 

With so much love,

Frannie