Gratitude is one of the greatest gifts in the world and being grateful for what you have is not always easy. Prayers are not always answered in the way we want them to be answered. In my quest to live in a state of gratitude, there is one poem that has always touched my heart. Particularly in these days when we are faced with a divisive leader, it is important to remember the words of one young man who died on an American battlefield fighting for something he may or may not have believed in.
I asked 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 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 that I asked for
but everything that I had hoped for.
Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered,
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.
