Tuesday, July 13, 2010

The Limits of Parents

This poem resonates in my spirit as I watch my children of all ages.  It also brings such a word to parents...no matter your choice of school, devotional time, church participation, parenting skills, whatever you feel will make them become what you dream...they still have the ultimate choice in the matter.  Many times, our idea of success in parenting can  make our system an "idol" and we would try to pass it on to others as the "right" method.  God will not share His glory. He is the only perfect parent, and even His children rebelled in a perfect culture...Adam and Eve.

God is in control and He is at work in our children.  I hope this brings encouragement to all...no matter which leg of the parenting journey you are on.  Releasing your inadequacies to the one who takes our weaknesses and makes us strong.
This is dedicated to the many hurting parents I know...you are in my prayers.  May we all support each other and not shoot the wounded.


The Limits of a Parents - John Mark Ministries


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 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 decide for you
I can buy you a beautiful garment, but I cannot make you beautiful inside
I can off your advise, but 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 to respect, but I cannot force you to show honor
I can advise you about friends, but I 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 cannot build your reputation
I can tell you about drinking, but I cannot say no for you
I can warn you about drugs, but I cannot prevent you from using them
I can tell you about lofty goals, but I cannot achieve them for you
I can teach you about kindness, but I cannot force you to be gracious
I can warn you about sin, but I cannot make you moral
I can love you as a child, 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
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14 comments:

  1. partialemptynesterJuly 13, 2010 at 7:56 PM

    Great post, love the poem!!

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  2. TraceyJuly 13, 2010 at 8:08 PM

    I love this. It ministers to me greatly! I am also going to share, I hope you don't mind.

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  3. Rachel @ Finding JoyJuly 13, 2010 at 8:30 PM

    Love the poem. So true. And one I needed to read.

    Thanks for a wonderful post!

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  4. Debbie PetrasJuly 13, 2010 at 9:49 PM

    Such great advice and what a great poem. How true those words really are. Each and every person has choices to make and only they can make them. Parents and grandparents can guide them but there comes a time when they must make those choices. And parents pray, right?

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  5. TheresaJuly 14, 2010 at 2:24 AM

    Thanks for sharing the poem Janette. Enjoyed reading it.

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  6. BECKYJuly 14, 2010 at 6:00 AM

    This is so true, Janette. Thankfully God loves them even more than we do, and I believe He will honor and bless the prayers of the parents, and eventually have His way with their hearts. He said that if we ask according to His will that it will be done. He just doesn't say when!

    Hope your day is full of joy! Thank you for sharing this!
    HUGS,
    Becky

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  7. Diana FergusonJuly 14, 2010 at 8:33 AM

    Yes, great poem!!! Thanks for a great share.

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  8. chocolatecovereddaydreams.blogspot.comJuly 14, 2010 at 8:58 AM

    I loved visiting your blog as well. I've learned those same lessons in being a mom. But all in all, it's a gift!

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  9. SusannahJuly 14, 2010 at 11:20 AM

    Wise words indeed... ღ

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  10. So, I Begin this Journey......July 14, 2010 at 3:49 PM

    Loved the poem!
    Would love to share this if you do not mind?!

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  11. aliciaJuly 15, 2010 at 7:04 AM

    Beautiful poem, Janette. Thanks for sharing.

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  12. Leslie @ Farm Fresh FunJuly 15, 2010 at 7:44 AM

    Love it. And Sound Of Music is a family fav we play over n over - and talk about lots. Always inspired here!

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  13. God's girlJuly 15, 2010 at 1:55 PM

    Love that poem!! E-mom sent me over here. Love that she did!
    Much love,
    Angela

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  14. Southern LadyJuly 15, 2010 at 2:37 PM

    True. That is a cute picture of your little boy by the pond. As much as sweet little children are a delight, sometimes it makes my heart ache wondering what they will become. (No, I’m not a parent. I mean other’s children.) Those who remain faithful do so only by God's grace.

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