My Opportunity

My opportunity! Dear Lord, I do not ask
That Thou shouldst give me some high work of Thine,
Some noble calling, or some wondrous task,—
Give me a little hand to hold in mine.

I do not ask that I should ever stand
Among the wise, the worthy, or the great;
I only ask that, softly, hand in hand,
A child and I may enter at Thy gate.

Give me a little child to point the way
Over the strange, sweet path that leads to Thee;
Give me a little voice to teach to pray;
Give me two shining eyes Thy face to see.

The only crown I ask, dear Lord, to wear,
Is this — that I may teach a little child
How beautiful, oh, how divinely fair
Is Thy dear face, so loving, sweet and mild!

I do not need to ask for more than this.
My opportunity! 'Tis standing at my door;
What sorrow if this blessing I should miss!
A little child! Why should I ask for more?

Who knows what future stretches out along
Those strange, far years? Dear Father, if I knew!
Who knows what sorrow, or who knows what song,
Who knows what work those little hands may do?

Who knows what word of mine may shape a thought
To turn his heart to that far heaven above?
Who knows what lesson that I may have taught,
Will turn his heart to the dear God of love?

Thou knowest, oh, Thou knowest! Unto Thee
All things are plain. Help me, Lord Christ I pray,
That I may ever helpful be,
To lead a little child along the way.

My opportunity? I need not seek it far,
It standeth at the door, and waiteth me;
Dear Lord, two trusting hands uplifted are —
A little child, my opportunity!—Marian B. Craig.

Thank you God for the opportunity we've been given. I praise you for our two blessings. Please help us to be godly parents. Help us to show our children Your love everyday and be examples of Christ to them. Help us to train them up in the way they should go. We pray that you cover us when we fail. Guide us on this wonderful journey you have gifted us with.