God said NO!

I am not one to quote the Bible, or to talk about religion, spirituality, or faith, or to preach. I find this too pretentious. I feel like it's not my place to tell anyone how to believe, live their lives, make decisions. I certainly don't know it all and don't pretend to even come close. For me, my relationship with my God, the ideas I hold, the decision I make, and the degrees of my spirituality or faith is mine to ponder on, to build, to fix, to relish. If I share my thoughts, it is because I choose to, and never under the guise of conversion or judgment, but really just to share or to ask for opinions. In line with this, I rarely go public about anything related to God. It's personal, after all. But my sister-in-law sent me an email with some words that I found interesting and, (gasp) quite inspirational. So in a rare moment of sharing, I decided to post it here.

God Said NO!

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.
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.

It's only one part of the text but it was, for me, the most inspirational part. You can take what you want from it. I have.