God's Lent Child I'll lend you for a little while, A child of mine, God said For you to love the while she lives, And mourn for when shes dead. It may be six or seven days Or forty two or three, But will you, till I call her back, Take care of her for me? Shell bring charms to gladden you And (should her stay be brief) You’ll have her memories As 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 looked this whole world over In my search for teachers true, And from the things that crowd lifes lanes I have chosen you. Now will you give her all your love Nor think the labour vain? Nor hate me when I come to take This lent child back again? I will do that I heard them say, Dear Lord, Thy will be done, For all the joys this child will bring The risk of grief well run. We will shelter her with tenderness Well 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 planned Well brave the bitter grief that comes And try to understand. Author Unknown