"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 by-product 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 for all things 

that I might enjoy life. 

God said, NO!  

I give you life 

so that you can enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me LOVE others, 

as much as he loves me.  

God said... 

Ah, finally you have the idea.