A Child Loaned

A memorial service is the one and only time you have to bring public honor to your loved one after they have passed away. It is like a final gift you can give to them.

At the end of my sister Melody’s funeral, my mom and dad read a poem which reflected how they felt. She was a precious jewel that The Lord had entrusted to their care.

I was so inspired when I was told they wanted to read that. They had just lost their 22-year-old daughter, yet they made an intentional decision to acknowledge that she actually belonged to Him, not them. As a result, they became better, not bitter…and so did I.

Here is that poem…

A Child Of Mine

I will lend 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 her lovely memories

As solace for your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay

Since all from earth return

But there are lesson 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 have selected you.

Now will you give her all your love

Nor think the labor vain

Nor hate Me when I come

To take her home again?

I fancied that I heard them say

‘Dear Lord, Thy will be done!’

For all the joys 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.

By Edgar Guest