God Said, “No.”

I asked God to take away my habit. 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. His spirit is whole, his body is 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 learned.”

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, “Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.”