I hope this helps a friend of mine…

As a parent I have often had questions, fears, guilt and frustration. Thankfully, now I feel mostly proud and blessed as a parent. I have learned to let go and let God. But it was not always easy. I would say they are yours God -you love them more than I do please take care of them -then the next glitch would come and I would take them back. We do this with lots of worries and fears we have. I have anyway.

This poem by an unknown author was a help to me and I pass it on...

It's Your Move, Daughter

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 always 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 lovely 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 be a friend

But I cannot make you one.

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 grieve about your report card

But I cannot doubt your teachers.

I can teach you about sex

But I cannot keep you pure.

I can tell you the facts of life

But I can't build your reputation.

I can tell you about drinking

But I cannot 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 let you babysit

But I can't be responsible for your actions.

I can teach you kindness

But I can't force you to be gracious.

I can warn you about sins

But I cannot make your morals.

I can love you as a daughter

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 tell you how to live

But I cannot give you eternal life.

 

As parents we will make mistakes, we can try and do what’s right and we still will have problems, because children come with free-will just like we did. If God couldn’t force actions on his first born what makes us think we can.

I know that to make it through children you need a pair of knee pads and just when you think they came out alright it starts all over with your grandbabies.

Be blessed!