Words - Dear Son/Daughter

Dear Son/Daughter

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 take you 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 make you love me.

I can teach you to share,
But I cannot make you unselfish.

I can teach you to 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 about drinking,
But I cannot 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 cannot choose them for you.

I can teach you about kindness,
But I cannot force you to be gracious.

I can warn you about sin,
But I cannot make you moral.

I can tell you the gospel and salvation,
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 Lord.

I can love you with unconditional love
All of my life...and I will.

MOM
(~Author Unknown)