Wednesday, June 4, 2008

The Limits of Parents


This writing is especially meaningful to me as we have taken a long break from attachment therapy as of yesterday. I am having a hard time adjusting emotionally and logically to this idea. This writing sums up the reason we are taking a break quite well.


The Limits of Parents
© John Mark Ministries

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 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 decide for you.

I can buy you a beautiful garment, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.

I can offer you advice, but 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 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 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 about kindness, but I cannot force you to be gracious.

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

I can love you as a child, 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.

You can find this poem and many more resources at Surf-in-the-Spirit
P.S. Coffee Bean at Righteous Buzz is having a contest for a free Starbucks Card. So if you love Starbucks a latte go check it out.

1 comment:

Emiley said...

Hey Brenda - I haven't been on your blog in awhile and I'm SO glad I chose today to check it out. This is SO good.....well, not necessarily "good", but so true....whether we like it or not. Thanks for posting it!! Gives me some perspective that I really needed ~Emiley