I'll lend you for a little time, a son of mine," God said,
"For you to care for a while he lives, and mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years, or thirty-one or two.
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 loving memories as comfort in your grief.

I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught down there I want this boy to learn.
I've looked this wide world over in my search for teachers true,
And, from the crowds that fill the earth, I have chosen you.
Now, will you give him all your love, in times of joy or pain?
Don't hate Me when I come to call and take him back again."

Then I heard his family say: "Dear Lord, Your will be done.
For all the joy Your son 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 You have to call for him, much sooner than we'd planned,
We'll bear all the sorrow that must come, and try to understand."

11th July 2006

These words formed part of the reading, by Skye Hawkins, at Lucas' funeral (11th July 2006), along with a piece from Kristy as well as a piece from Scott.