AS THE TWIG IS BENT

A little girl with shining eyes,

Her little face aglow:

Said, “Daddy, it is almost time

For Bible school, let’s go;

They teach us there of Jesus’  love,

Of how He died for all

Upon the cruel cross to save

Those who on Him call.”

“Oh, no,” said Daddy, “Not today,

I’ve worked hard all this week

And I must have one day of rest.

I’m going to the creek,

For there I can relax and rest.

And fishing’s fine, they say.

So run along; don’t bother me.

We’ll go to church someday.”

Months and years have passed away,

But Daddy hears that plea no more: —

“Let’s go to Bible school.”

Those childhood days are o’er.

And now that Daddy’s growing old,

When life is almost through

He finds the time to go to church,

But what does daughter do?

She says: “Oh, Daddy, not today:

I stayed up most all night —

And I’ve just got to get some sleep.

Besides I look a fright.”

The Daddy lifts a trembling hand

To brush away his tears,

As again he hears the pleading voice

Distinctly through the years.

He sees a small girl’s shining face,

Upturned with eyes aglow,

As she says, “It’s time for Bible school,

 Please, Daddy, won’t you go?”

                   Author Unknown