A message for my child

I can give you life, but I can’t live it for you.

I can give you instructions, but I can’t tell you where to go.

I can give you liberty, but I can’t help you protect it.

I can teach you the difference between good and bad, but I can’t make the decision for you.

I can give you advice, but I can’t accept it for you.

I can give you love, but I can’t force you to receive it.

I can teach you to share, but I can’t stop you from being selfish.

I can teach you to respect, but I can’t make you be respected.

I can counsel you about your friends, but I can’t choose them for you.

I can teach you everything you need to know about sex, but I can’t make you act responsibly.

I can talk to you about drinking, but I can’t say ‘no’ or ‘just one’ for you.

I can warn you about drugs, but I can’t stop you from using them.

I can talk to you about having important goals, but I can’t achieve them for you.

I can teach you about charity, but I can’t make you be generous.

I can pray for you, but I can’t make you walk with God.

I can talk to you about how to live, but I can’t give you eternal life.