REFLECTIONS OF A PARENT

I gave you life,

but I cannot live it for you.

I can teach you things,

but I cannot make you learn.

I can give you directions,

but I cannot be there to lead you.

I can allow you freedom,

but I cannot account for it.

I can take you to church,

but I cannot make you believe.

I can teach you right from wrong,

but I cannot always decide for you.

I can buy you beautiful clothes,

but I cannot make you beautiful inside.

I can offer you advice,

but I cannot accept it for you.

I can give you love,

but I cannot force it upon you.

I can teach you to share,

but I cannot make you unselfish.

I can teach you respect,

but I cannot force you to show honor.

I can advise you about friends,

but I cannot choose them for you.

I can advise you about sex,

but I cannot keep you pure.

I can tell you the facts of life,

but I can't build your reputation.

I can tell you about drinking,

but I can't say "no" for you.

I can warn you about drugs,

but I can't prevent you from using them.

I can tell you about lofty goals,

but I can't achieve them for you.

I can teach you about kindness,

but I can't force you to be gracious.

I can warn you about sin,

but I cannot make you moral.

I can love you as a child,

but I cannot place you in God's family.

I can teach you how to live,

but I cannot give you eternal life.

Author Unknown

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