God's Loan "I'll lend to you for a little time, A child of mine," He said, "For you to love while she lives And mourn for when she's gone "It may be six of seven years Or twenty-two or three, but will you till I call her back, Take care of her for me?" "She'll bring her charms to gladden you And should her stay be brief, You'll have these precious 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 whole world over, In my search for teachers true. And in the crowds that throng life's land, I have selected you." "Now will you give her all your love Not think the labour vain, Nor hate me when I come to call To take her back again?" It seems to me I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done. For all the joys this 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." "And should the angels call for her much sooner than we've planned, We'll brave the bitter grief that comes And try to understand." Author Unknown