This hymn was one of 9,000 hymns written by Fanny Crosby (1820-1915). She became blind shortly after birth (See Fanny Crosby: Prolific and Blind Hymn Writer). Someone said to her that it was a shame God did not grant her sight, seeing he gave her so many other gifts. Fanny Crosby replied:
" "Do you know that if at birth I had been able to make one petition, it would have been that I was born blind?" said the poet, who had been able to see only for her first six weeks of life. 'Because when I get to heaven, the first face that shall ever gladden my sight will be that of my Savior.'"
She wrote her first verse at age 8:
"Oh, what a happy soul I am,
although I cannot see!
I am resolved that in this world
Contented I will be.
How many blessings I enjoy
That other people don't,
To weep and sigh because I'm blind
I cannot, and I won't!"
I'm looking forward to meeting Fanny Crosby one day!
