When I first read this wonderful poem, I knew at once that my friend and favorite songwriter, Joel Stamoolis, was the perfect person to set it to music. 
--Jess Lederman

The Giver

George MacDonald

To give a thing and take again
Is counted meanness among men; 
To take away what once is given
Cannot then be the way of heaven! 

But human hearts are crumbly stuff, 
And never, never love enough, 
Therefore God takes and, with a smile, 
Puts our best things away a while. 

Thereon some weep, some rave, some scorn, 
Some wish they never had been born; 
Some humble grow at last and still, 
And then God gives them what they will.

For more of Joel's music, just click on this hyperlink!