Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Great Parenting Thoughts

Recently someone gave me this and I thought it was too good not to share. I think this speaks of the responsibility we have as parents to help our kids take ownership of their own lives and the decisions they make. I wish I could give credit but the author is unknown.

From Parent To Child ...

I gave you life but cannot live it for you.
I can teach you things but cannot make you learn
I can give you directions but cannot always be there to lead you.
I can allow you freedom but cannot account for it.
I can take you to church but 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 teach you to share but I cannot make you unselfish.
I can teach you respect but I cannot force you to 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 cannot build your reputation.
I can tell you about drinking but I cannot say no for you.
I can warn you about drugs but I cannot prevent you from using them.
I can tell you about lofty goals but I cannot achieve them for you.
I can teach you kindness but I cannot force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sins but I cannot make your morals.
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 Him your Savior.
I can teach you to obey but I cannot make Jesus your Lord.I can teach you to live but I cannot give you Eternal Life.

1 comment:

curt shaw said...

The words are so true. i have forwarded these quotes to my friends and family members