I asked Creator to remove my feelings of self-importance.
Creator said, "No."
"It is not for me to remove this feeling you dislike.
It is your job to make it go away."
I asked Creator to grant me tolerance.
Creator said, "No."
" Tolerance wells up from disrespect.
Tolerance isn't granted, it is earned."
I asked Creator to fill me with cheer.
Creator again said, "No."
"I give you Blessings, finding that which brings you cheer,
is up to you."
I asked Creator to free me from anguish.
Creator said, "No."
"Anguish draws you apart from worldly pleasures and
brings you closer to me."
I asked Creator to make my spirit grow.
Creator said, "No."
"You must grow on your own, but I will trim you to
make you fruitful."
I asked for all things that might allow me to more enjoy life.
Creator said, "No."
"I will give you life so that
you may enjoy all things."
I asked Creator to teach me to love others,
as he loves me.
Creator said,
"Ahhh..., finally you understand."
- Jim Great Elk Waters, View from the Medicine Lodge
