Saturday, May 9, 2009

The thorny grace of motherhood

THE THORN by Martha Scott Nicholson

I stood a mendicant of God before His royal throne
And begged Him for a priceless gift, which I could call my own.
I took the gift from out His hand, but as I would depart
I cried, "But Lord, this is a thorn and it has pierced my heart.
This is a strange, a hurtful gift that Thou hast given me."
He said, "My child, I give good gifts and give my best to thee."
I took it home and though at first the cruel thorn hurt sore;
As long years passed I learned at last to love it more and more.
I learned He never gives a thorn without this added grace.
He takes the thorn to pin aside the veil which hides His face
.

Dedicated to my mother, grandmother, mother-in-law, and the mother I'm married to.

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