Reflections of a Mother
I gave you life, 
but 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 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 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 teach you about kindness, 
but I can't force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sins, 
but I cannot make you moral.
I can love you as a child, 
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 Jesus your Lord.
I can tell you how to live, 
but I cannot give you eternal life.
I can love you with unconditional love 
all of my life . . .  and I will !!!

Author unknown

**********************************************************************
This mail is generated from JOYnet, a Jesus Youth mailing list.
To unsubscribe, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
For automatic help, send a mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
In case of any issue related to the mailing list contact [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To know more about Jesus Youth, visit http://www.jesusyouth.org
**********************************************************************

Reply via email to