A Child of Mine
I'll lend you for a little time, a child of mine,' Christ said.
For you to love the while he lives, and mourn for when he's dead. It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three, but will you,
'til 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 of solace in your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay--
since all from earth return,
but there are lessons taught
down there
I want this child to learn.
I looked the wide world over,
in search of teachers true,
and from the throngs that crowd
life's lane,
I have selected you.
Now will you give him all your love,
not think the labor vain--
nor hate Me when I come to you
and take him home again.
I fancied that I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done."
For all the many joys he'll bring,
the risk of grief we'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
we'll love him while we may,
and for the happiness we've known,
forever grateful stay.
But should the angels call for him,
much sooner than we planned,
we'll brave the
bitter grief that comes
and try to understand."