The Library

I don't know how it happened, There's no explanation; It was to be a routine Bypass operation. But my heart couldn't take it; I know the doctors tried Desperately to bring me back The moment that I died. But I found myself floating, Drifting farther away; I would not have expected My life to end this way. I was drawn toward a light, Gentle and exciting; It's strangely familiar call Was more than inviting. But after I had entered, I found myself alone. In the most peculiar place That I have ever known. I was in a library, Dimly lit and quite cold; Many books adorned the walls, Some were new, others old. The books were dedicated To chapters from my life. Each paragraph exposed me And cut me like a knife. There were volumes related To selfish transgressions. On these pages were printed My darkest confessions. Then I came across a book Which shared my righteous acts; With only fifteen pages Devoted to those facts. I lowered my head in shame, Then took a long, sad look. In all of the library, This was the smallest book. Accounts of my trespasses Were scattered all around; And I wished I'd had a match, To burn it to the ground. This library distressed me, And all the tomes therein. A convicting expose, Of a life filled with sin! I tried to find an exit, A way out of this place, But there was no escaping The truth of my disgrace. And that is when I saw Him, Like a star burning bright; I feared I might be blinded By His heavenly light. He took a book from the shelf And then started to read. I asked Him not to view it, Then I began to plead. But He kept right on reading Tears flowing from His eyes; Until He'd read every book, Then each one, He revised. I watched Him remove my name; Replace it with His own, I said; Lord those are my sins, The guilt is mine alone. He said, "This is why I died, And why I had to live. I will wipe away your guilt; Your sins, I will forgive." Then He smiled and embraced me And I knew it was true. He said, "Come and see the place That I've prepared for you."