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 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 that I hoped for,
Almost despite myself,
my unspoken prayers were answered,
I am among men most richly blessed.
James Sawhill Flagg
July 3, 1951 - July 18, 2009