A Soldier’s Prayer
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 may be happy
I was given poverty that I might be wise
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life
I got nothing I asked for but everything I hoped for.
Despite myself, my prayers were answered
I am amongst all men most richly blessed
—- Anonymous Soldier
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“Show me a true vision of heaven and I’ll show you descent into hell wherein that vision was tried, tested and found faithful.” William Samuel –
“The day I thanked my suffering was the day it ended,” William Samuel
It is love that does the work. The way is love. Love does not reject. Love lives and love loves. When our life is actually understood, from the depth of love, it is seen for the profound gift it is, just the way it is. In this light of understanding, we are changed. A grand peace washes over us, through us. and brings us peace. This is the holy baptism taking place within our own heart. Felt deeply, we are moved and we are opened. Here, in the heart, the crucible of love, we find this light of understanding that sees and knows – in this seeing, we understand fully – and we thank the suffering. This understanding makes all things new. We are set free. Through this way of love, we tenderly accept because we have found Good in all things. In accepting it all, as it is, we are set free. In this peace comes gratitude for all that is, as it is – we are released into this living light and the joy of understanding. Even if nothing changes in the tangible scene, the heart has changed, the view has changed, the feeling has changed – this peace is real and we know what love is – In this abiding peace and living love we are set free – and that’s all that matters. – Sandy Jones