To My Child: Things I Can and Cannot Do

This was in Knoxville Baptist Tabernacle's mailout. It's a keeper...

I can share your 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 lead you.
I can allow you freedom,
But I cannot account for it.
I can teach you to worship,
But I cannot make you believe.
I can teach you right from wrong,
But I cannot decide for you.
I can give you love,
But I cannot force it upon you.
I can teach you to share,
But I cnnot make you unselfish.
I can teach you to respect,
But I cannot force you to show honor.
I can tell you the facts of life,
But I cannot build your reputation.
I can tell you about lofty goals,
But I cannot acheve them for you.
I can teach you to obey,
But I cannot answer for your actions.
I can warn you about sins,
But I cannot make your morals.
I can love you as my child,
But I cannot place you in God's family.
I can teach you about Jesus,
But I cannot make Him your Saviour.
I can teach you about prayer,
But I cannot make you pray.
I can tell you how to live,
But I cannot give you eternal life.
-Author Unknown
Proverbs 23:19 "Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way."

How true! Dear child,
How I pray you will allow Him to work in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure and to stand perfect and complete in all His will.
Love,
Your mom