Asking God

I asked God for strength, that I may achieve,
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for health, that I might do greater 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 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 may enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for --
but everything that I hoped for.
Almost despite myself,
my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all men,
most richly blessed.

-- attributed to an anonymous confederate soldier--