사막에서 부르는 영혼의 노래

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 free...

I asked for power, that I might have praise from 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 I asked for, but everything that I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.

I am among all men the most richly blessed.


--  from a anonymous poet.