THE DUTY OF PARENTS
None of us are perfect parents but as long as we try
To follow the teachings of heaven we will not go astray,
If we teach and show our children how to live life well,
How to seek out heavenly things and there want to dwell,
We have won.

Teach them to find friends who will choose the right way.
Teach them the importance to learn something new every day,
That education and knowledge of God should be their aim,
And that their bodies are temples and be free from shame.
We have won.

Teach them that if illegal drugs they use peace they’ll not find.
Teach them to keep virtuous thoughts always in their mind.
Teach them that even in the small things to have true honesty.
But most of all teach that through prayer God is close as can be.
We have won.

Warn them of dangers that lurk all around them each day
As they strive to tread on the straight and narrow way.
Teach by example do the very best to live the Gospel plan
And if they themselves go astray you’ve done all you can.
We have tried.

No blame will rest on our shoulders we if do our best,
But if we do not try, will we have passed the parent test?
So mothers, fathers, look well upon the things you do,
How we teach and the example set is really up to you.
Have we done our best?

M Ann Margetson © August 25, 2001