Reflections of a Parent

I gave you life,
but cannot live it for you.

I can give you directions,
but cannot be there to lead you.

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 advise,
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 honour.

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 alcohol and drugs,
but I cannot say "No" for you.

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 pray for you,
but I cannot make you walk with God.

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.

Friends, parents are there, to teach us, nurture us and guide us throughout our lives, sometimes, we take them forgrantted until they aren't there anymore. I hope that this has gotten you to review your ways of how you treat your parent, whether as a parent or someone else. Respect for your parent is very important, even mafias, they do all sorts of things, but they never disrespect their parent.

Reflecting on his ways,
HybridZ