Most richly blessed

I recently bought a mostly musical audio CD, one of those that are in stores on the shelf with all the music like “ambient sounds” and “wind songs”, and some of the songs on the CD had words. One of the songs in particular had some words that were insightful and struck me as words of truth. After further investigation, I found that they are the words of an unknown Civil War Veteran. The words of the song on my recently purchased CD follow. Enjoy!

Most Richly Blessed
by an Unknown Civil War Veteran, Displayed in the Lobby of the Shreveport, LA Veterans Hospital

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 become wise.

I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men.
I was given weakness, that I might feel the need for 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 and true needs were fulfilled.

I am, among all men, most richly blessed.