God’s Loan

I’ll lend for a little time
A child of mine, He said.
For you to love while he lives.
And mourn for when he’s dead.

It may be one or seven years
Or twenty-two or three;
But will you, ‘till I call him back,
Take care of him for me?

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’ve looked the wide world over
In search for teachers true;
And from the throngs that crowd life’s lanes
I’ve selected you.

Now, will you give him all your love
And not think the labor vain;
Nor hate me when I come to call
To take him back again?

I fancied that I heard her say,
“Dear Lord, They will be done!”
For all the joy thy child shall bring
That risk of grief I’ll run.

I’ll shelter him with tenderness
And love him while I may;
And for the happiness I will have known
Whatever grateful stay.
--Author Unknown