My Love For You Has Its Limits

A soul is never mine to keep Though it might be my own For sure not mine to give away As if it were a stone. And soul belonging to one bound By love (to me a slave) Is not my slave but family, In God’s strength I am brave! So do not think that I own yours Or want to give you mine For what we share is so much more Than paper valentine. Our souls are what bind us to God A hallmark of creation A reservoir for us to fill Not parks and recreation. My love is only human love Unless it’s in His service Which brings me back to love of self Whenever I get nervous How can I say I love the Lord If I don’t love myself Or claim to serve His Holy Name While passive on a shelf But help me Lord to love Your Voice, And ways that aren’t my own And in denying mortal flesh Stand tall before Your Throne. Brian Johnston January 17, 2016