240711 Lighten Up

 Lighten Up

No need to be serious all of the time

In spite of the mountains you know you must climb

No need to approach life with a furrowed brow

Or wake up each morning with permanent scowl

Of course, there are obstacles put in your way

But that doesn't mean you can't take time to play

This life can be filled with hate, anger, and grief

That's all the more reason for comic relief 

If world and its burdens are weighing you down

Lighten up and find ways to behave like a clown

Knock knock jokes, playful pranks, even comedy shows

Can bring smile to your face; why not try one of those

I don't mean to make light of your troubles and woes

For I certainly have had my fair share of those

But there is no point in wallowing in misery

So instead, have some fun - done intentionally 

Don't feel sorry for self and just sit 'round and brood

Make it your job to find ways to lighten your mood

Ride a bike, take a hike, find a puppy to pet

Have a water gun fight and get totally wet

For all work and no play makes a dull boy indeed

Play and levity's something that all of us need

See, if happiness' something we ourselves don't exude 

Then, others around us reflect our bad mood

For we've only one life, a thing we ought to treasure 

And the Lord filled it full of things for our good pleasure 

But, if we're always serious - joy we don't taste

Then, it seems that our life becomes something we waste

I imagine our Savior, though drank bitter cup

And did serious work, found ways to lighten up

Though he was God's Son and a man of great sorrows

No one better to show joy of heaven's tomorrows

Christ's the perfect model of how we ought to be

So, I'm certain he had moments of levity

A time for each season, the heavy and light

Time for mourning or toil but also time for delight

So build joy, fun, and happiness into your day

Be silly, light-hearted, and find time to play

Embrace life like a child, not always stoic grown-up 

Don't take self quite so seriously  - Lighten Up