Quotable

“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.”

—Martha Snell Nicholson, “The Thorn”