And God Said No by Claudia Minden Weisz, the mother of a Rett Syndrome child

Life's problems wouldn't be called "hurdles" if there wasn't a way to get over them.

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 ask God to help me love others, as much as he loves me.

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