'I'll Lend You A Child'

I never thought I would say it so soon, but I am eating my words.  I MISS IDAHO! Especially right now.  It's hard being so far away from family, and this week has been a long one.  Almost like 4 weeks rolled into one...

I first want to say THANK you to all of those who offered their thoughts and prayers in behalf of my brother Mike and his wife Megan.  I have a firm testimony in the power of prayer, and that simple gesture means so much to me.  I also want to apologize to any of those who may have called me, to whom I didn't call back.  Sometimes talking about things on the phone can be difficult - but please know that your messages were received and greatly appreciated.   Your thoughts mean so much. 

I have realized that in moments of despair, or tragedy - even if may not be personally your own,  you really gain a sense of love and friendship.  What I mean is...many who don't know my brother or his wife offered their thoughts and prayers.  Friends I haven't spoken to in some time offered theirs as well.  It's amazing how the experience of others can touch you - how your love for someone can almost cause you to feel what they feel..in a small degree.  Please just know of my thanks to you.  I have wonderful friends and family - and I am so grateful. 

I have been thinking a lot this week about the value of life.  Although I never met little Carter personally - he touched my life, and has caused me to really evaluate things that are important to me.  I found this poem earlier this week and thought it shared a special message of how precious a life is....

I'll Lend You A Child

by Edgar Guest

"I'll lend you for a little time a child of mine," He said.

For you to love - while he lives

And mourn for when he's dead.

It may be six or seven years

Or twenty-two or three,

But will you, till I call him back,

Take care or him for Me?

He'll bring his smiles to gladden you,

And should this stay 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 world over

In search for teachers true,

And from the throngs that crowd

Life's lanes, I have selected you.

Now will you give him all your love,

Nor count the labor vain,

Nor hate Me when I come to call to

Take him back again?"

I fancied that I heard then 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 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 than we've planned,

We'll brave the bitter grief that come

And try to understand."

The Lord has a plan for each of us.  Some of our lives will be lengthy, some will be brief.  But regardless - I am very grateful for the things I am learning.  Learning from my own experiences and trials, and also from the experiences and trials of others.  I certainly hope I can live my life, so that when my time comes - I have touched peoples lives the way mine has been touched.