i asked

I asked God for strength,
that I might achieve.
I was made weak, that I might learn to humbly 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 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 that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken
prayers were answered.

I am, among all,
most richly blessed!

- Anonymous

(p236, Gray, Alice, Stories for the Heart, Multnomah Publishers, Inc., Sisters, OR, 1996)