the gift

When i died god asked me what i had done with my life. I have loved and i have lost, i have felt pain and suffering, i have felt happiness and joy, i have laughed and i have cried, and both together. i have seen the world and i have helped build it. Then i thanked him. Why, he asked, do you thank me? Because even though i have lost everything and i am dead, you gave me the richest life, and even though you have taken it all away you first gave it to me. Do you love or hate me? he asked. and i replied. I do not know you.