Promises

Subject: Promises Sat 30 Dec 2006, 12:22 pm

Promises

God hath not promised
Skies always blue,
Flower-strewn pathways
All our lives through;
God hath not promised
Sun without rain.
Joy without sorrow,
Peace without pain.
But God hath promised
Strength for the day,
Rest for the labor,
Light for the way.
Grace for the trials,
Help from above,
Unfailing sympathy
Undying love.
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 by-product of tribulation; it isn't granted, it's earned.
I asked God to give me happiness and God said no. He said he gives blessing; happiness is up to me.
I asked God to spare me pain and God said no. He said suffering draws you apart from worldly care and draws you closer to him.
I asked God to make my spirit grow and God said no. He said I must grow on my own but I will be in heaven one day because I believe.
I asked God to help me love others as much as he loves me. God said, "Ah, at last! You finally have the idea."

Rev. Bill Bausch
_________________
Gayla

"They take great pride in making their dinner cost much; I take my pride in making my dinner cost so little."

---Henry David Thoreau (1817-1862)