I Am, Among Men...

A visiting pastor shared this as part of his sermon at church today. Found in the pocket of a Confederate soldier at the close of The Civil War, perhaps you've heard it, read it, or caught it skirting some conversation you've had in the past. To my great chagrin, I have never encountered it - a fact neither here nor there in relating its simple but poignant message.

In any event, I found it moving. 

Convicting.

Reminding.

And oh, so true.

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak, that I might learn to humbly 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 I asked for but everything I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among men, most richly blessed.