In response to Joe Vance's psalm of liberation from religion, would you please print the following poem? Its author is unknown, but it expresses the wisdom that eludes us until we face difficulties bigger than we are.
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 had hoped for
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered.
I am, among all men, most richly blessed.' Dean Bruckner is a electrical engineering graduate student.
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