THORN

One of my professors posted this poem on Facebook today and I love the final stanza. I find this to be true: it is in the suffering of life that we come to know God most intimately.

THE THORN by Martha Snell Nicholson

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, a hurtful gift,

which Thou hast given me.”

He said, “My child, I give good gifts

and 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.