New Year's Prayer

I asked God to take away my bad habits. God said, "No. It is not for me to take them away, but for you to give them up."I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, "No. His spirit is whole and his body is only temporary."I asked God to grant me patience. God said, "No. Patience is a by-product 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, "Ah, finally you have the idea."~AnonymousHave a very happy new year!