LOVE CAN'T MAKE OTHERS' CHOICES
 
 Reflections of a Parent (author unknown)
 
 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 advise you about friends, but cannot choose them for you.
 I can advise 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 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 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 Jesus your Lord.
 I can tell you how to live, but I cannot give you eternal life.
 I can love you with unconditional love all of my life . . . and I will!!!
 
 Always, Mom and Dad
 

WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

                      (Written by a former child)
 
 A message every adult should read, because children are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.
 
 When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my
 first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately
 wanted to paint another one.
 
 When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a
 stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind
 to animals.
 
 When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make my
 favorite cake for me and I learned that the little
 things can be the special things in life.
 
 When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a
 prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk
 to and I learned to trust in God.

 When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a
 meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I
 learned that we all have to help take care of each other.
 
 When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of
 your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.
 
 When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care
 of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have
 to take care of what we are given.
 
 When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you
 handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't
 feel good and I learned that I would have to be
 responsible when I grow up.
 
 When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come
 from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things
 hurt, but it's all right to cry.
 
 When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you
 cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be.
 When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of
 life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and
 productive person when I grow up.
 
 When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and
 wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when
 you thought I wasn't looking."