I Gave You Life
I gave you life,
but cannot live it for you.
I can allow you freedom,
but cannot account for it.
I can teach you right from wrong,
but I cannot always decide for you.
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 tell you the facts of life,
but I cannot build your reputation.
I can tell you about lofty goals,
but I cannot achieve them for you.
I can teach you kindness,
but I cannot force you to be gracious.
I can tell you how to live,
but I cannot give you eternal life.
~author unknown