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 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, Now, you finally have the idea.