A Child’s Prayers

Dear God:
I hope you’re listening right now in that amazing place called heaven…and smiling down upon me. I hope that you’re not angry—at all those times when I prayed only to ask for something…or didn’t pray at all. I hope you know that I try my hardest not to sin, even though sometimes it’s impossible to turn the other cheek.
Please remember when I’m lamenting my miserable life to you that it’s only because you’re the one who would listen. And when I avoid praying out loud, even when I’m alone, don’t get mad at me. It makes me feel like I’m talking to myself, listen to the silent pleading of my heart instead. 
I’ve heard of this one story when a man looks back on his life, he saw two sets of footsteps for most of the journey—his and God’s, but during his particularly tough times, he saw only one set of footsteps. “God,” he accused heatedly, “you weren’t there when I especially needed you.” And God replied, “Child, those footsteps that you see were mine, for I was carrying you when you were most vulnerable.”
God, please realize that even though I pretend to be independent and strong around others, I’m really scared to go through all the tough times that lie ahead of me alone, and that I wouldn’t mind at all if you carry me through some of them.
Dear God, thanks for listening.
Amen