a Sufi poem by Hazrat Inayat Khan

I asked for strength

and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for wisdom

and God gave me problems to learn to solve.

I asked for prosperity

and God gave me a brain and brawn to work.

I asked for courage

and God gave me dangers to overcome.

I asked for love

and God gave me people to help.

I asked for favors

and God gave me opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted.

I received everything I needed.