A poem to reflect on

And God Said, "No"

I asked God to take away my pain.

God said 'NO. It's not for me to take away. It's for you to give it up.'

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.

God said 'No. Her spirit is whole. Her body is only temporary' So love her whole.

I asked God to grant me patience.

God said 'No. Patience is a by-product of tribulations. It isn't granted. It is earned.'

I asked God to give me happiness.

God said 'No. I'll 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 our own. But I will prune you to make you fruitful.'

I asked 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 and God said 'Ah, finally you're getting the idea'.

By Claudia Minden Weisz

Prayer

'To be at peace with ourselves, we need to know ourselves'

Caitlin Matthews

This prayer it intended to be spoken aloud....

MY SPIRIT FINDS COMPANIONSHIP IN MANY FORMS

I allow myself to be guided and comforted by the Universe. I allow people and events to gently lead me to my good. I ask for help in all of my affairs and I accept the help that is offered me from many quarters. I do not walk alone. I do not call in vain. Even my whispered dreams are heard by an attentive Universe. I am alert to the help which comes to me for their unfolding.

From Heart Steps by Julia Cameron