"I'll lend you for a little time a child of mine," He said.
For you to love - 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 or her for Me?

She'll bring her smiles to gladden you,
And should her stay be brief
You'll have her lovely 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 search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd
Life's lanes, I have selected you.
Now will you give her all your love,
Nor count the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call to
Take her back again?"

I fancied that I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done,
For all the joy Thy 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.

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."

***return to Tributes to Lauren***