Thankful Even When the Answer is "No"

"No".  It's a word we use often, especially as a parent.  When I had our first child, someone told me not to use the word "no" because it was negative.  I needed to make everything positive so my "little guy" would not grow up to be negative. Well, I guess I messed up BIG time because I told all my children "no" many times.  Not because I was a mean parent, or being negative, but because I had their best interest at heart.  I am sure I became very unpopular in my children's eyes when the answer was "no".  But being a parent is not about being popular, or at least it shouldn't be. 

Okay, how is a "no" answer a blessing?  For the last 6 weeks our family has been praying for something very big in our lives.  I thought for sure a door had or would soon be opened. The door slammed shut.  It was a definite "NO".  I truly was shocked, wanted to succumb to tears, all while my chest was in knots.  Then I had to stop and remember that my Heavenly Father has my (our family's) best interest at heart.  He is not being mean, negative, nor is He looking to win a popularity contest.  His answer is "no".  Plain and simple.  Do I want to ask "why", you bet I do.  But it will not change His answer.  So I accept it as part of His perfect plan for our lives and wait.  I am very thankful for God, the creator of all things, loving me enough to tell me "no" so I can be in His will.  Does He have something better than what I was expecting...He has to.  He only wants the best for me.