When we reflect on our lives we can’t help but include our thoughts on the one person who’s had the most influence on us:

‘Our Mother.’

She forms the person we’ll be from the beginning of conception. We are who we are because of her.

Despite the way we may feel about her, she is the major player in the formation of our lives.

There are lessons a mother teaches us.

But, it’s always up to us to put them into practice.

It’s always up to us to be in charge of our decisions.

Sometimes, we ruminate and get stuck on what we weren’t given or how we were treated by her.

This shouldn’t matter.

For in the end, if we fail or if we succeed, we should never forget that the final choices are always up to us.

The poem below reflects a Mother’s words eloquently … enjoy Reflection by Secret Garden as you read.

Happy Mother’s Day to all … Isadora 😎
2018©Isadora DeLaVega

Secret Garden – Reflection

~~~~~

Reflections 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 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 pray for you, 
but I cannot make you walk with God.

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 ~~~