Mask-Ball

:" And be not conformed to this age, but be transformed in the renewal of your minds,that you may prove what is the good and well pleasing and perfect Will of God." Romans 12:2

Father,

One thing I ask, this I seek:

The grace to shine forth Christ

From  my soul's face --

Not covered with wax, but

Open to the touch of Your Sun;

Nor waltz in the mask-ball

Of the world and the flesh

By wearing beauty's mask,

Yes, a stunner of symmetry, but

The mask is made of cloth and

The snowy winds of age

Will blow it away;

By wearing wealth's mask,

Yes, sugar money, pride money, but

The mask is made of gold and

Gold melts easily and covers the eyes,

Leaving one blind and trapped.

By wearing fame's mask,

Yes, power marked and celebrity envy, but

The mask is made of iron and

Iron weighs heavy while walking up

The dark steps of ambition's tyranny,

Only to reach a bare-branched joy.

Father,

Animate my soul with grace

To step out of the world's waltz

With its' jugglers and clowns andmasks,

All bold with denial of You,

And step into Your Will's walk,

With the shine ofYour Son

On my soul'sface.