Reflections of a Mother

A friend of mine posted this on Facebook last night and I thought it was excellent.  I reposted it on my wall and am sharing it on here today ~

Reflections of a Mother

I gave you life, but 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 always decide for you.
I can buy you beautiful clothes, but I cannot make you beautiful inside.
I can offer you advice, 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 honor.
I can advice you about friends, but cannot choose them for you.
I can tell you the facts of life, but I can't build your reputation.
I can tell you about drink, but I can't say "no" for you.
I can warn you about drugs, but I can't prevent you from using them.
I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can't achieve them for you.
I can teach you about kindness, but I can't force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sins, but I cannot make you moral.
I can love you as a child, but I cannot place you in Gods family.
I can pray for you, 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.

Author Unknown

Our Children back l-r James, Allen, Jennifer, Amy Kate, Amy Lynn, Katie front l-r Will, Andy, Rob, Bryant

So to my own children I would add to the above ~ your never too old not to need your parents, your parents do know  more than you by virtue of the fact they have lived longer, our warnings/admonitions are usually because we have been there, done that, and made the mistakes you are about to make, & no, we don't have to just sit back and watch you make them ~ if we don't warn you or advise you then we haven't done our jobs as parents.  We ask questions because that is the only way to find out answers.  We pray daily for you and for you to lean on the Lord for His guidance and His directions and not rely on your own knowledge & the world.