My child's just a teenager, Lord,
and I don't know what to do.
My pastor tells me I must give

my child's life back to You.

But You entrusted me, dear Lord,

so many years ago,

to rear my child in Christian love.

but, Lord, I can't let go!

And now there is a problem, Lord;

it seems we always fight.

I'm always nagging at my child

to "grow up" and "do what's right,"

And when I pray, it doesn't seem

an answer's on the way.

Have you forgotten me, my Lord?

I'm just trying to obey.

And then a voice spoke to my heart

and gently rebuked me..

"You've been so busy mothering,

your child is all you see.

Anger begets more anger

and the way is very clear,

if you want your child to trust Me,

then you must let go, my dear."

"Let go?" I cried with horror,

still not ready to give in,

"but who will watch and pray

to keep my child from sin?"

"Don't lose the hope that you have now,"

God said to me that day,

"I cannot help your child until...
YOU step out of My way."

Reluctantly, I listened,

for I knew that God knows best,

and soon rebellion in my heart

gave way to quiet rest.

I quit heaping guilt upon myself

and stopped blaming my spouse too.

I gave my child some private time
and saw what compliments could do.

I stopped overreacting

with threats I could not keep

and soon turmoil within our home

lay discarded in a heap.

I gave my child the same respect

required of me in the past.

Responding to my approval,

my child became quite steadfast.

I didn't quit my praying,

but kept prayed up way ahead

and now, at night, I fall asleep

when I first get into bed.

I found that love begets love,

and now calmness fills most day.

God dealt with my teenager

when I stepped out of His way.

Lord, make me just as patient in dealing with my children as You are in dealing with me.

Psalm 119:34 Give me understanding...