Monday, April 26, 2010

God's Lent Child

I'll lend you for a little while a child of mine, God said,
For you to love her while she lives, and mourn for when she's dead.
It may be six or seven years, or forty-two or three;
But will you, till I call her back, take good care of her for me?
She'll bring her charms to gladden you, and should her stay be brief,
You'll have the lovely memories as a solace for your grief.
I cannot promise she will stay, since all from earth return;
But there are lessons taught below I want this child to learn.
I've searched the whole world over, for teachers kind and true;
And from the throngs that crowd life's lane I have chosen you...
Now will you give her all your love? Nor think the labor pain? Nor hate me should the angels call, to take this child back again?
To which the parents did reply...Dear Lord, Thy will be done.
For all the joys thy child will bring, the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter her with tenderness,We'll love her while we may...
for all the love this child will bring, forever grateful we will stay.
But should the Angels call for her, much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
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3 comments:

Unknown said...

wow, this is beautiful!

love and prayers
elena

Anonymous said...

Hi Melissa, this poem was read at my nephew Justin's funeral, almost 25 years ago. He was five and died of a brain tumor. He was a special little boy and I'll miss him my whole life, as you will miss Amelia. We found some comfort in the words of the poem. I hope you do too.
Susie

Darla said...

hello, my name is Darla and i lost my beautiful son Avery on 9.9.03. In all the 7yrs and poems and songs ive heard,this is the first ive heard this and i LOVE it! it instantly brought comfort to me! thank you so much for sharing and God bless you and your family and of course, AMelia. Shes flying high amongst us now, playing where (i think) all the babies play-together:)