I memorized this poem after my beautiful niece was murdered in the mid-1980s and the words offered solace to my grief and broken heart...

Author Unknown...

God's Lent Child

"I'll lend you for a little while
A child of mine," He said.
"For you to love the while he lives
And mourn when he is dead.
It may be six or seven years, or
Twenty two or three,
But will you 'til I call him back,
Take care of him for Me?

He'll bring his charms to gladden you,
And should his days be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories
As solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
Since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there
I want this child to learn.

I've looked this wide world over
In my search for teachers true,
And from the throngs that crowd life's lane,
I have selected you.
Now will you give all your love,
Nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call
To take him back again?"

I fancy that I heard them say,
"Dear Lord, Thy will be done.
For all the joy this child shall bring,
The risk of grief we'll run;
We'll shelter him with tenderness,
We'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known
Forever grateful stay.

But should the angels call for him,
Much sooner then we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes
And try to understand."