God's Child

Who was he, my child of God?
Sent to me to heal
Never knowing love or giving it;
not thinking it was real

He’d flinch when touched by gentle hands
from rage and great despair
He lived with shame and suffering,
here within my care

I cried to hug and hold him
and kiss away his fears
His heart was made of granite
and my words fell on deaf ears.

Why was he sent by God to me?
No children of my own
I had no way of knowing
how to make this place his home

He didn’t want what I could give
and fought me every day
All my failings gave up hope and
I began to pray

“Dear God just give me wisdom
to know what it is he needs”
And God replied, “You’re doing fine,
tread softly through the weeds,”

The thorns drew blood and briars clung,
but I stayed true to course
For all I had to offer was the shield
of love’s great force

Five years are gone; he’s no more a child,
and I an avid fan
Of the child God gave for me to love
Who’s now a kind, young man

He stands tall and confident
and struggles to grow in grace
And I receive my great reward
seeing joy upon his face