bread and water

 The Breaking Away The Bible speaks of children as arrows  which are meant to be released.   But Lord, I want to hold onto them.  At times, control them, for their goodness sake.  Yet this causes their spirit to break.  How do I handle this breaking away, this making their own way, when I just want them to stay; little and moldable, young and teachable, forever reachable?  Lord help me guide them, launch them,  release them to You.  Help me trust Your control to make the boy a good fellow.  I need your grace  and teens seem to need space  to figure life out on their own  when Your Word will make it known.  Lord give us wisdom  to raise our children for Your Kingdom. -Brandi Beck Smith