Just keep your own doors open and always remember what I have told you. -Sotuknang, Hopi Creation God, the last words spoken before he vanished, quoted from The World's Wisdom, (Philip Novak, HarperSanFrancisco, 1994)

There is nothing like raising a child from conception to independence to call attention to just how little I truly control. I am no more than an outlet on the great power grid of life. Energy not of my making flows through me. I do not generate it, but merely do my best to direct its flow. Most of life is bigger and beyond me. Hey, even within my own body, ancient, me-sustaining processes churn on without my direct oversight. I'm not even in charge of my own heartbeat. That's probably a good thing.

I opened to this reality while riding an elephant with my family at some far-flung fair. Perched up there on its rolling, bristly back, I realized the only control I had was that which the elephant conceded to me. The same is true of life on this rolling planet and in my bristly relationships, especially with teenaged children. I am ultimately powerless over almost everything beyond my own attitudes and actions. I can open up or shut down at each touch point with God, the planet, my fellow riders. I choose to pursue peace or war.

I am a believer in a god who set the universe in motion and now mostly walks along unseen, trusting the process, only occasionally intervening in increasingly subtle ways. I am a believer in raising children in much the same manner. I'll hover over you until you're old enough to ask for help when you need it. Then keep your doors open and always remember what I have told you. Poof!