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."