A prayer

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 GOD for all 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, "Ahhh, finally you have the idea."