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 is whole, her 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 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 for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, "No. I gave 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, "...Ahhh, finally you have the idea!"

? Author unknown

(Submitted by Michael Chechile, Palmer MA)