This poem is attributed to Claudia Minden Weisz, the mother of a Rett Syndrome child:

I asked God to take away my pride.  And God said “No.”

He said it was not for Him to take away, but for me to give up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.  And God said “No.”

He said her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience.  And God said “No.”

He said patience is a by-product of tribulations.  It isn’t granted, it is earned.

I asked God to give me happiness.  And God said “No.”

He said he gives me blessings, happiness is up to me.

I asked God to spare me pain.  And God said “No.”

He said suffering draws me apart from worldly cares and brings me closer to him.

I asked God to make my spirit grow. And God said “No.”

He said I must grow on my own.  But He will prune me to make me fruitful.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life.  And God said “No.”

He said He will give me life, that I may enjoy all things.

I asked God to help me love others as much as He loves me.

And God said, “Ah, finally you have the idea!”

Wishing you a very happy, blessed and fruitful New Year!

Sent to iNews Cayman by Cheryl Robeson

Photo: rest ministries,inc