God's Loan

"I'll lend to 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 dead.

                       "It may be six or seven years

Or twenty-two or three,

But will you till I call her back,

Take care of her for me?

"She'll bring her charms to gladden you

And should her stay be brief,

You'll have these precious memories

as solace for your grief.

"I cannot promise she will stay,

since all from earth return.

But there are lessons taught down there

I want this child to learn.

"I've looked this world over,

in my search for teachers true.

In the crowds that throng life's land,

I have selected you.

"Now will you give her all your love?

not think the labor vain,

Nor hate me when I come to call

to take her back again?"

It seems to me I heard them say,

"Dear Lord, thy will be done.

For all the joys a child shall bring,

The risk of grief we'll run.

"We'll shelter her with tenderness,

We'll love her while we may,

And for the happiness we've known

forever grateful stay.

                        "And should the angels call for her

Much sooner than we've planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that comes

And try to understand."

            "Let the little children come to me and do not forbid them;

for such is the Kingdom of God." Mark 10:14

Source/Author Unknown