"God's Lent Child"

"I'll lend you for a little while a child of mine", God said... "For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he's dead.

It may be one or two years or forty two or three; But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you and (should his stay be brief) You'll have his lovely memories as a solace for your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay, since ALL from earth return; But the lessons taught below I want this child to learn.

I've looked the whole world over in search for teachers true; And from the things that crowd life's lane --- I have chosen you.

Will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain? Nor hate me when I come to take this lent child back again?"

I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done. For joys Thy child will bring the risk of grief we'll run.

We will shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may And for the happiness we've known forever grateful stay.

But should Thy Angels call him much sooner than we've planned, We'll brave the grief that comes, and try to understand."