I Asked

I asked God to take away my pride.
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 is 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 will give you life so that you may enjoy all things."
I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as he loves me.
God said..."Ahhhh....finally you have the idea!"