The Parable of the Ungrateful Servant
 

One day a servant came to his master and said, "O Master, you have already given me much but I would be so grateful if you could find a larger room for me to live in."

The master acknowledged his servant's hard work and granted his servant's request.  The grateful servant worked harder than ever to show his gratitude.  Weeks passed before the servant returned to the master and asked, "Is it possible, my Lord, to receive a few better clothes?  It would indeed be a good thing because then others would see how generous you are and would honor you for it."

The wise master looked at the servant thoughtfully and replied, "I will give you some new clothes but not because I desire another's praise.  Allow this gift as a reward for your continued obedience and service."

The servant, inwardly rejoicing, bowed from the presence of his lord to await his master's gift.  The new clothing, when it arrived, was more that the servant had dared hope for and he admired them for a long time. 

"My master must truly appreciate my worth," he murmured, and from that very day the servant began to honor himself.

Every month the servant would bow before his master and request new gifts and every month the patient master would acknowledge the servants work and grant his requests.

One day the servant once again petitioned his master; this time for richer food.  The master simply looked at the servant and said, "I greatly appreciate all you continue to do for me but all who live within my household, from the greatest to the least, eat the same food.  We have no need of such foods," and with that the servant was dismissed.

As weeks passed, the servant continued to think about his request, dwelling on what he had been denied.  Twice more he sought his master and twice more the master kindly but firmly denied his request. 

Still unable to accept the answer, the servant went to the master again and said, "I do not understand why you must deny me the very thing that so many in the city have.  You are hard on me.  I can barely keep my life together with what you give me.  I work hard for you, barely have time for myself and yet you still will not grant this small request?"

"Do you not remember all that I have given you?" exclaimed the master.  "Have you so quickly forgotten the many requests I have answered or the gifts I have given?  Ungrateful servant, you have deceived yourself."

Sometimes we become so involved with what we need or want that we forget the many blessings and opportunities that Heavenly Father has given us.  Even when Heavenly Father gives us an answer that is disappointing, we should always remember what we have been given and acknowledge his wisdom.