Remind Me Father

O’ God, so loving, so gracious
Are Your blessings unto me
To have given such a rare blossom
That I should care for tenderly

‘Twas no doubt a great effort
To permit loan of such a treasure
Your trust in me is staggering
Up to Your standard I pray I measure

She is growing ever more beautiful
And brings pure joy to my heart
A wonderfully creative mind You gave her
Indeed, she is truly smart

But more than any of that O’ God
She has accepted Your beckoning Call
O’ great God I give You praise!
For You are her all in all

What more could a father ask
Than his daughter to dedicate her life
To the advancement of God’s Kingdom
And to faithfully follow Christ

The answer is nothing of course
And for that dear Lord, “Thank You”
But I have another concern
A bit selfish if I may continue

I watch with joyful bewilderment Lord
As each season hurries by
Yesterday she was finger-painting
Today she is learning to drive

Can you slow it down O’ God?
Can you make the years delay?
No, I know that is not Your plan
So I will need You more each day

I fear I am quite inadequate Lord
To complete the task ahead
One day she will leave my guard
And that day I truly dread

My ending prayer is really quite simple
Though I need it more all the time
Remind me Father once again
She was Yours before she was mine.

(September 2012)