"I stood a mendicant (a beggar) 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 past 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

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