When Love Meets Love

They make it sound so easy.
But Jesus said, "Count the cost."

First the plow breaks up the land,
then the harrow breaks up the lumps.
Then it is planting time.

The seed waits in damp darkness.
seemingly abandoned,
surrounded by worms and shit.
Finally, it dies.

Then Life begins.

Is there an alternate route?

If truth be told,
the narrow path
of crucified love
is no picnic.

Being a holy head-liner
has its appeal,
but what if it costs
my daily ease?
There are easier, 
softer ways,
leading nowhere.
Sooner or later,
everything
rusts into dust.
End of story.
Boredom and futility.

So many addictions,
so little time --
so much fun at first,
becoming savage taskmasters
that give nothing back.

The narrow road
that Jesus preached
looks impossible
at the beginning,
when we worry, count the cost.

When the race is over,
we sing and overflow
with endless gratitude
for all the glorious works
in us, through us,
treasure in heaven.

Our lives here mean something.
That's why God invaded our existence.