Most Richly Blessed

I asked God for strength,
that I might achieve.
I was made weak,
that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health,
that I might do great things.
I was given infirmity,
that I might do better things.

I asked for riches,
that I might be happy.
I was given poverty,
that I might be wise.

I asked for power,
that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness,
that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things,
that I might enjoy life.
I was given life,
that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing I asked for,
but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself,
my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am, among all men,
most richly blessed.

-Anonymous Civil War Soldier