I Asked God

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 bye-product of tribulations".
I asked God to give me happiness.
God said,  "No. I give you blessings.  Happiness is up to you".
I asked God to spare my 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".

Anon.  From my scrapbook, a magazine article, undated but probably from the early 1980's.