I Asked God

I asked God to take away my pain.
God said, No.
'It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.'

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
'Her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary.'

I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
'Patience is a byproduct of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is earned.'

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
'I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.'

I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
'Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.'

I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
'You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.'

I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
'I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.'

I asked God to help me love others, as much as he loves me.
God said...
'Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.'