If you 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 up."

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.

God said, "No, his spirit is whole and his body is only temporary."

I asked God to grant me patience.

God said, "No, patience is a by-product of tribulation; 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 for all the 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."