It's Your Move, Child

Way back when, when I was single and had no prospect of a husband or children, I bought something.  I got it at a flea market.  It is an unframed poem.  I loved what it said and thought that it is exactly what i would feel like when I had children.  I found it the other day and I was right so many years ago!  It is exactly what I feel about raising my children.  Here it is...

It's Your Move, Child

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 can't always be there to lead you.
I can allow you freedom, but 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 can't always decide for you.
I can buy you nice 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 respect, but I can't force you to show honor,
I can grieve about your report card, but I cannot doubt your teachers.
I can advise you about friends, but I cannot choose them for you.
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 warn you about drinking and drugs, but I can't say NO for you.
I can tell you about lofty goals, but I can't achieve them for you.
I can let you baby-sit, 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 child, 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 you Savior.
I can teach you to OBEY, but I cannot make Jesus your Lord.
I can tell you about how to live, but I cannot give you Eternal Life.

                                                               -Author Unknown

Lord, I pray my children take what you and I are teaching them.  I pray they learn from their mistakes and always strive to make decisions that are pleasing to you.  I pray that you overcome the many, many mistakes I make daily in raising them.  I pray that you draw them to you at an early age and they know your love for them.