A few words from Gary:

As a young boy, I found minimal success.  Physically, my body was even less than  skinny and poorly tied together with an extreme lack of coordination.  Intellectually, I never got all my spelling words right (I am only saved today with "spell check"), and a perfect math paper was beyond my grasp.  

It didn't seem fair that my best friend always beat me up after school.  My bike had continuous flat tires, and if the bike's chain wasn't coming off, I had probably just caught the leg of my new pants within its sprockets .  

Today, I can look back on it all and see how my childhood prepared me for what I am today.  This piece helps me to understand the purpose of "it" all.

06/13/01

I asked God to take away my pain.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.

I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
Her spirit was whole, her body was 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 earned.

I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.

The imperfections in the fruits of our apple trees  make them perfect.

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 for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.

I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as he loves me.
God said... Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.

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Other SPIRIT WITHIN articles:

Gary's Review of AN IRISH BLESSING (photos included), A Photographic interpretation by Cyril A. Reilly and Renee Travis Reilly  03/21/01 (1 min.)

PRAYERS FOR CAREGIVERS  (book review) 08/02/00 (2 min.)

Rev. Wilkinson's GOD'S PORTRAIT  (from "Sound Bites", his Email ministry) 10/26/00 (1 min.)

ON A COLLISION COURSE (Another "Sound Bites" E mail ministry from Rev. Dave Wilkinson) 1/01/28 1 min.

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