I asked God to take away my pride,
and God said, “No.”
He said it was not for Him to take away, but for me to give up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole,
and God said, “No.”
He said her spirit is whole, her body is only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience,
and God said, “No.”
He said that patience is a by-product of tribulation. It isn’t granted, it’s earned.
I asked God to give me happiness,
and God said, “No.”
He said He gives blessings. Happiness is up to me.
I asked God to spare me pain,
and God said, “No.”
He said, “Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.”
I asked God to make my spirit grow,
and God said, “No.”
He said I must grow on my own. But He will prune me to make me fruitful.
I asked God to help me love others, as much as He loves me,
and God said, “Ah, finally you have the idea.”