Blessed

What does it mean to be blessed? Here's something to chew on, from an anonymous soldier:

Blessed
I asked God for strength, that I might achieve;
I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.
I asked for help 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 we 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 my life;
I was given life that I might enjoy all things.
I got nothing that I asked for, but everything I had hoped for.
I am among men, most richly blessed.

(Anonymous Confederate Soldier; cited in T. Oden, Pastoral Theology, p. 248.)