The founding/retired minister from Newark spoke Sunday…he was speaking on “Jesus in Revelation” which was a very interesting series. anyway, he ended his lesson with a poem that a woman gave to him at the senior center. I thought I would share it:

“I Asked God”

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 faithful”

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…”Ahhh, finally you have the idea.”