God's Lent Child

April 26, 1999 - April 19, 2000

I'll lend you for a little time a child of mine" He said.

" For you to love the while she lives and mourn for when she's gone.

It may be six or seven years or twenty-two or three, But will

you, 'til I call her back, take care of her for me?

She'll bring her charms to gladden you,

or should her stay be brief.

You'll have her lovely memories

as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay,

since all from earth returns,

but there are many lessons

to be taught down there,

I want this child to learn.

I've looked this wide world over

in my search for teachers true,

and from the throngs that crowd

life's lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give her all of your love,

not think the labor vain, Nor hate me when

I come to call this lent child back again.

I fancied, I heard them say

" Dear Lord thy will be done,

for all the joy thy child shall bring,

the risk of grief we'll run.

We'll shelter her with tenderness,

and love her while we may and

for the happiness we've known,

forever grateful stay.

But should the Angels call for her,

much sooner than we planned.

We'll brave the bitter grief

that comes and try to understand."

Author Unknown