The Blessing in "NO"

                           -- Author Unknown (Submitted by Ed and Jennifer Gildea)

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 was whole, her body 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 might 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."