The following is an anonymous Civil War soldier’s poem which I recently heard in a sermon my pastor preached (unsure whether he was Union or Confederate but it doesn’t matter):
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 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.
