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 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
so that you may enjoy all things

I ask God to help me love others,
as much as He loves me
God said,
Ahhhh, finally you have the idea