Just about to the Extent

We discover that we do receive guidance for our lives to just about the extent that we stop making demands upon God to give it to us on order and on our terms. ~ Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions, Alcoholics Anonymous, page 104

God, get Joe that job he needs,
the one he liked at the interview.
And make Mary understand
how her actions hurt so many.
I need to find that contract,
so show me where I put it.
And this weight! Get rid of it —
make me a size eight, please.

God, no directives now.
Wait, that's not quite true.
I do ask that you grant serenity
to accept what I can't change —
even by telling you what to do.
I ask you to give me courage
to change what I can change.
And I humbly ask for willingness
to know the difference.
Oh, I know that's not in the prayer.
But it's what I need. Most times
I have the wisdom, just lack
willingness to accept it.
Oh, one more request.
Shut me up and get me to listen
to your list for me.