When I was a new parent,

the thought of my child behind the wheel 

was an abstract idea—

something I would deal with when the time came,

when the years were more behind me 

than ahead of me.

It seemed so far away. 

Now I am becoming another cliché—

wondering where the years went,

sweating these teenage milestones and 

wishing time would slow down. 

I need you, Lord, every hour I need you! 

I see her sitting in the driver’s seat, 

and just like a sentimental commercial,

I suddenly remember her baby teeth smile,

her legs too short to dangle over the seat, 

let alone touch the pedals. 

I find myself whispering anxious prayers to you:

Father, keep her safe. 

Help her make wise choices.

Protect her, protect her, protect her. 

I need you, Lord, every hour I need you! 

I remember the days when my worries 

included electrical sockets, corners of coffee tables,

feeding her sugar too soon. 

Now my time of protecting her has changed,

and my job is to prepare her. 

To help her thrive in a world of unpredictable

circumstances and imperfect people. 

I ask, Father, for our driving sessions

to include more moments of bonding 

than moments of tension. 

I ask for your patience and wisdom to lead me

as I teach this child something that will

undoubtedly take her farther away from me. 

May my heart be open, may her heart be brave.

May we enter this next phase with grace for each other

and for all of our feelings and fears.

Thank you for this teenager. 

Thank you for her desire to spread her wings

and fly just like she was made to do. 

We need you, Lord, 

every hour, 

we need you.

Amen.