a few more years shall roll

I was speaking to my co-worker/boss a few days ago about my grandfather, who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer and probably does not have long to live. She mentioned a prayer she had read from a Confederate soldier disabled in the Civil War that she thought I might find helpful. . . .

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 great 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.