I’ll lend you for a little time, a child of Mine, He said.

For you to love while she lives, and mourn when she is 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, since all from earth return.

But there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn.

I’ve looked the world over in my search for teachers true,

And from the throngs that crown life’s lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give her all your love, nor think the labor vain.

Not 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, will ever grateful stay.

But shall the angels call for her much sooner than we planned,

We’ll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.

As read by Wendy