i asked God for strength that i might achieve, i was made weak that i might learn humbly to obey.
i asked God for health that i might do greater things, i was given infirmity that i might do better things.
i asked God for riches that i might be happy, i was given poverty that i might be wise.
i asked God for power that i might have the praise of men, i was given weakness that i might feel the need of God.
i asked God 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 hoped for. almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. i am, among all men, most richly blessed.
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not mine. back in HS, we called this “the divine paradox of winning by losing”, but google said it’s an untitled poem by a soldier.
