I ASKED

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 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 that 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.--

SLS 3/29/00