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 great things:
I was given illness 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 people's praise:
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 prayer was answered;

I am among all people most richly blessed.