And God said "No"

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 close 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."

Author: Claudia Minden Weisz