God's lent child I'll lend you for a little time A child of Mine, God said, for you to love the while she lives And mourn for when she's dead. It may be six or seven weeks, Or thirteen years, or three, But will you, till I call her back, Take care of her for Me? She'll bring her charm 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 lessons taught down 'there' I want this child to learn. And there, with you on Earth This child of mine I lend, For many souls that she will touch, With the lessons that I send. I looked the wide world over In my search for people true, And from the throngs who crowd life's way, I have selected you. Now will you give her all your love, Nor think the labour vain, Nor hate Me when I call around To take her back again? I fancy that I hear you say, 'Dear Lord, Thy will be done', For all the joy this child has brought, All fateful risks we run. We sheltered her with tenderness, We love her while we may, And for the happiness we've known, We shall forever grateful stay. But You came around to call for her Much sooner than we'd planned - Dear Lord, forgive this grief, And help us understand.