In the season of life which my motherhood has me right now, I have many moments of reflection. I came across "Reflection of a Mother" recently, and it verbalizes what I want my children to know. When our children are small, we spend much physical effort directing, protecting, teaching, working, etc. while they are growing into independent -hopefully, responsible- adults. As they mature, our visible efforts decrease, and the unseen efforts such as prayer and trust in God increase. Such is the case with me, anyway. I'm learning about grace, hope, blessing, love, faith, mercy, God's goodness, and more. I cannot be a "savior" to any of my loved ones. I cannot force truth into their beliefs. I cannot make them behave responsibly. I cannot keep them from the ugliness of this world. They grow up to make their own choices just as I have. With whatever choices they make, I may be pleased or grieved – just as my Heavenly Father is pleased or grieved by my decisions. Just as God wants His best for me, so I desire with a passion that my children want God's best for themselves. With whatever choices they make, I will love them. May I learn to love like God loves me. ~In every season… blessings, Jeri Lynn
"Reflection of a Mother"
I gave you life, but cannot live it for you.
I can teach you things, but I cannot make you learn.
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 sexual purity, 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!
~Author Unknown