If I teach you the love of nature —
to respect all living things
by being kind to animals
strangers, and friends —

Yet . . . don’t teach you about God,
I’ve taught you simply compassion
not hope.

If I show you the beauty of the ocean —
to notice its vastness
by exploring its majesty
and mystery —

Yet . . . not introduce you to its Creator,
I’ve shown you only today
not eternity.

If I give you ample space —
to make your own way
by allowing you to be
who you are —

Yet . . . not explain the path before you,
I’ve given you merely life
not destiny.