A little girl with shining eyes, her face aglow,
Said, “Daddy, it’s time for Bible School; let’s go.”
“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 the fishing’s fine they say.
So run along, don’t bother me; we’ll go some other day.”

Months and years have passed, and Daddy hears the plea no more.
 “Let’s go to Bible School.” Those childish days are o’er.
And now that Daddy’s growing old, his hair is turning gray,
He finds time to go to church; but what does his daughter say?
“Oh, no, Daddy, not today, I’ve stayed up most of the night . . .
And I must get some sleep. Besides, I look a fright.”

Then Daddy lifts a trembling hand to brush away the tears.
He seems to hear the pleading voice distinctly through the years.
He sees a small girl’s little face, upturned with eyes aglow,
“It’s almost time for Bible School; please Daddy, can’t we go?”

“Redeeming the time.” —Ephesians 5:16