Hard Tasks

There are some tasks in the life of a minister that are particularly hard to do. Today I face one such task as I conduct the funeral of 6 year old Guy, who was killed last week as he crossed a motorway in the dark with his 7-year old friend. There is little that can make the task easier, save the knowledge that I am in God's hands and that He will be with me. Please send up a prayer that the words that I'm given to share will be words that bear witness to His love at the same time as bringing some measure of comfort to Guy's family, especially his mum Deborah who is pregnant.

I found the following poem. The words are great, so I'm sharing it with you so that in some small measure you might share my day with me.

God’s Lent Child

“I’ll lend you for a little while
A child of mine” God said –
For you to love the while he lives
and mourn for when he’s dead.
It may be six or seven years
or forty two or three
but will you, till I call him back,
take care of him for me?

He’ll bring his charms to gladden you
and, should his stay be brief,
you’ll have his nicest memories
as solace for his grief.
I cannot promise he will stay,
since all from earth return
but, there are lessons taught below,
I want this child to learn.

I’ve looked the whole world over,
in my search for teachers true,
and from the things that crowd life’s lane
I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love,
nor think the labour vain,
nor hate me when I come to take
this lent child back again?

I fancied that I heard them say,
“Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done”
for all the joys thy child will bring
the risk of grief will 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 thy Angels call for him
much sooner than we planned,
we’ll brave the grief that comes
and try to understand.
Anon/author unknown