I'm back!

Well to be honest, last week I tried my very best to avoid any and all semblance of work. It felt wonderful to relax mentally, physically as well as spiritually. We celebrated a wonderful thanksgiving day with my Father, Mother, Brother and his family, Sister and her family. Our celebration came complete with all the turkey, ham and other essentials that one could possibly consume.

Last night, my bride and I spent some time discussing our children. It seems a little strange to refer to a 23 year old and a 18 year old as children. This is without doubt the scariest part of our parenthood. How do you “parent” another adult? We still have a certain amount of influence in their lives, but increasingly they are making choices that we have little to zero input in.

I was reading in Matthew this morning for personal devotions. In chapter one Joseph is described as being a “righteous man”. Luke tells us the story as well and records the angel of the Lord saying, “Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.”

Wow, talk about intimidation! Jesus earthly father is called “righteous” and his mother is call “highly favoured”. I don’t feel like I fit in that classification, (my wife? Yes! Me? NO!)

It was in thinking on these things that I came across a few words regarding parenting that I’d like to share today.

I don’t know who wrote these word’s but they are impacting!

What a Parent Can and Can’t Do
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 can’t 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 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 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 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 or son
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 Saviour.

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.

Source Unknown http://www.bible.org/illus.asp?topic_id=1065