Lord,
we need to talk.

I know I’ve messed up our relationship.
I am the one who demanded things of you 
    like a spoiled child manipulating a parent.

You have been so patient with me, 
            and yet firm in refusing to be used 
            like a toy in my narrow sandbox.
I see that now.

But why do you seem to withdraw from me?
I am no longer a child feeling totally noticed by you.

I am ready for more responsibility, I think.
I have discovered real friends
        who won’t let me manipulate them, 
                    or use them.

It was tough while these friends helped me grow.
And now we look out for each other.
I don’t run their lives, and they don’t run mine.  

Now we talk about our lives, 
    and we share new experiences.
We look for ways to care about others
    because - well - we aren’t worried about ourselves so much.

Is this what you want with me?
Are you withdrawing in the parental ways I remember you,
            so you can re-appear in my life as a friend?

If so, I'm ready.

I just miss the way it used to be.