Jesus said, “ask and it will be given to you.” Through this Pandemic (like the unknown author of this poem) you may have thought you lost it all, but you really gained everything in return.

“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 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 others, 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 among all people, most richly blessed.”

• i asked