Yesterday God gave me an Eleventh Step prayer. At the time, I was in my head, fussing over one of my sons, making an inventory of all the things I wanted for him. It was a typical dad-list, including things like a better job, a better education, a better place to live, and a meaningful relationship. I fussed over this list until I was fussed out. I knew there was nothing more to do with it but to turn it over to God.

But even as I came to that determination, it dawned on me that every word of the list ultimately came down to another vain attempt at control. Practically every word was pregnant with expectations born out of my own fears and insecurities. Then God miraculously removed all the insecurity, fear, and vain control from me with a reminder to pray only for knowledge of His will for me and the power to carry it out.