Poem for all

[nin@xxxxxx]

	AND  GOD  SAID  "NO"
	~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
			By Claudia Minden Weisz.

[Appeared in the Feb. 12, 1998 Bangkok Post: Outlook Section.]

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 is whole, her body is only temporary.

I asked God to grant me patience, and God said, "No."
He said that patience is a byproduct of tribulation.  
It isn't granted, it's earned.

I asked God to give me happiness, and God said, "No."
He said he gives blessings.  Happiness is up to me.

I asked God to spare me pain, and God said, "No."
He said, "Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and 
brings you closer to me."

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 God to help me love others, as much as He loves me, 
and God said,  	"Ah, finally, you have the idea."
	      

With metta and solidarity,
NiNi   ~ ~
        v