For the friendship we have now

Thank You for the friendship I share with my son now. I loved him through all the years when I was responsible for so much of his life, but this is a different gift. He is a grown man, and somehow our relationship has become spacious enough for real conversation, shared laughter, and the pleasure of simply enjoying each other.

I am still a little amazed when he calls because he wants to talk, not because he needs something. I treasure the moments when he asks what I think, and the moments when he trusts me enough to disagree. Thank You for the earnest counsel that can pass between us now in both directions. Help me receive his wisdom with the same respect I hope he gives mine.

Keep me from slipping back into managing him when he has invited me only to listen. Let me be curious about his life without prying, available without hovering, honest without assuming authority that is no longer mine. May familiarity never make me careless with his confidence.

Father, preserve the sweetness of this friendship through changing seasons. Give us many reasons to laugh and enough grace for the times we misunderstand each other. Let my son know that I delight in who he is, not only in what he accomplishes. I am grateful that love has grown into companionship, and I receive it as one of Your kindest gifts.