230826 On Our Own

On Our Own

In any healthy society 

We value self-sufficiency 

Ability to get things done

With little aid from anyone 

First moments, if you think 'bout it

As toddlers, we said," Me do it."

We strive to do things by ourselves

To prove that we do not need help

As children, we mark milestones 

Of each new thing done on our own

To take our first steps without aid

Or ride our new bike unafraid 

First time we crossed the street alone

Or spent the night at our friend's home

Bought something with our own money

Not with cash from Dad's money tree

As teens, how great to drive alone

Or move out and be on our own

Make own mistakes, own choices too

No longer told what we must do

We test our wings; we leave the nest

Though, hard on parents, know it's best

Must make own way, as well we should 

It's how we enter adulthood 

We're all grown now; we've got this down

Oh wait, some trouble's come around 

Of course, can handle on my own

Perhaps I'll get Mom on the phone 

For, if I speak with honesty

On our own's not always best to be

For when unsure of what to do

My heavenly Father, I run to

Wants us to depend on Him the most

So puffed up pride won't have us boast

" Don't need God; can do it on my own"

Instead of coming to the throne

For really, if the truth be told

This "on our own" thing's oversold

It's freeing to give God the reins

Then peace and trust become our gains

For when we seek God on our own

He promises we're not alone

Psalm 37:5

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act

Proverbs 3:5

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding 

Proverbs 16:9

In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps