A Meditation on Suffering

A MEDITATION ON SUFFERING

I asked God for strength
that I might achieve.
I was made weak
that I may learn 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 power
that I might be happy.
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.