Lord, you do it for me.
You stand back,
you treat me like an adult
even when I behave like a child.
You let me learn by my own mistakes.
Yet, Lord, in my eagerness for space and independence,
remind me, now and then, that my freedom lies in you.
Guard me from danger of thinking all I need is space.
I need light too, your light,
and if I bar you from my space
I lose the light.

But when I'm ready
‑your graciousness again‑
you lead me out
into the wide open spaces of your freedom.
And I find that I can stretch, and walk, and run
in your great plains of liberty,
kicking my heels in joy,
all restraints gone,
except the welcome yoke of your love.
And I can grow.

Eddie Askew
Disguises of Love