blessing of unanswered prayers

i asked 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 had asked for ,
but everything that i had hoped for .
almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered ;
i am , among all men , most richly blessed .

 

unknown confederate soldier