A Beautiful Prayer
“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. His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary.’
I asked God to grant me patience. God said, ‘No. Patience is a byproduct 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.’
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