Poem from an unknown Confederate Soldier

I came across this poem in 1983 or so in Nani Palkhivala’s book We the People.  I was 24 then.  But by then life had dealt me enough experiences to realize the relevance of the message in these lines that I fell for them. 

Since then every passing incident has reminded that this poem was written for people like me.  As I pull through some recent some incidents in my life these lines are a source of succour. 

In particular the line that keeps resonating in my mind is this:  I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I hoped for. 

I was partly inspired to write this by the comment from Mediocre to my most recent post.

You may have all come across these lines as they have been doing the rounds on the net for many years now.

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 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 I hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

     I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

Nanni….Namaskaaram…