I can…I cannot by Medard laz

I can…I cannot by Medard laz

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 cannot 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 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 let you baby-sit,
But I can't be responsible for your actions.

I can teach you kindness,
But I can't force you to be gracious.
I can warn you about sins,
But I can't make you morals.

I can love you as a child,
But I can't place you in God's family.
I can pray for you,
But I cannot make you walk with God.