Here is a poem a friend sent me. It is something I will be passing along to my daughter in the Lord's timing. It is so very true that we as mothers can do many things for our children, but there are many things that they must do for themselves. The author of the poem is unknown, but the words are felt in the heart of every mother.
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 always 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 lovely 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 be a friend
But I cannot make you one.
I can teach you to share
But I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect
But I can't force you to show honor.
I can grieve about your report card
But I cannot doubt your teachers.
I can advise you about friends
But I cannot choose them for you.
I can teach 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 drink
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 let you babysit
But I can't be responsible for your actions.
I can teach you kindness
But I can't force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sins
But I cannot make your morals.
I can love you as a daughter
But I cannot place you in God's family.
I can pray for you
But I cannot make you walk with God.
I can teach you about Jesus
But I cannot make Him your Savior.
I can teach you to obey
But I cannot make Jesus your Lord.
I can tell you how to live
But I cannot give you eternal life.
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