I stood, a mendicant of God

(A mendicant is a beggar.)

I stood, a mendicant of God,

before His royal throne

and begged Him for one 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 and hurtful gift

 which Thou hast given me.'

He said, 'My child, I give good gifts.

 I gave 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.

 

~Anonymous