Lord, 
    there has always been stress in my life 
          as I learn to deal with the next things that fall my way.  

Just as I work through the issues and relationships I have, 
                              something new hits me.  

On my good days, I call these “challenges”.  
On my bad days, I call them “disasters”.
And yet, I know I’m still growing up.  

Lord, You allow things to happen to me.

When these crazy things land on my plate 
     like twisted, multicolored veggies, 
          I resist like a two year old, 
               but I’m also curious like a five year old.

Sometimes I feel your presence, 
          and sometimes I don’t.

And then I remember my own parents 
     who let me experience my life as a child. 
     
They stayed just out of my sight 
          while I did my best to manage what was happening.

Now, I’m a lot older, and I want to take charge of my own life.

I want you near, Lord, but not quite in control.

I know this sounds like a teenager, 
     but that’s how things are right now.

You know I can manage things.
I just need to know that I can.

In the meantime, we’ll meet from time to time, and talk.

And when I don’t see you, 
     I’ll know you’re out there, nearby, 
          but just out of my sight.