God's Loan

This afternoon, our family went to the viewing of Rachel Olerud, a little girl who recently died of cancer. It was an emotional experience for everyone that attended and the line waiting to pay their respects seem to strech on forever, providing a testament to the lives that this little girl touched.

As we approached the podium to sign in, there was a stack of cards printed with a poem called "God's Loan". As I read it, I couldn't help but think of my dear children and how blessed that I am in that God allows me to be a part of these wonderful kids lives.

The poem that was printed was...

God's Loan

"I'll lend to you for a little time,
A child of mine," He said,
"For you to love the 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 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 world over,
In my search for teachers true.
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 a 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 him
Much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand."

Source/Author Unknown

"Let the little children come to me and do not forbid them; for such is the Kingdom of God."

- Mark 10:14