The music swirled around us as I gently grasped my daughter’s white-gloved hand. I deftly twirled her as we waltzed in time with the music. Is there any father who would not enjoy dancing the waltz with his daughter? I could do this all evening! So beautiful! Another twirl…perfect! Ahhh….
“Dad! You’re doing it wrong!”
My dream-like realm was shattered by my daughter’s admonition. It was the last formal rehearsal before the father-daughter waltz that was to be held that evening. We had been rehearsing every Tuesday evening for the prior month. Frankly, it was difficult to concentrate on the dance sequence because my mind kept wandering. Where have all the years gone? It felt like yesterday that I was holding my infant daughter in my arms. I always reminded myself and my friends that we should cherish these years because they will speed by before we can ever truly savor them. So true, I now lamented.
Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!…
Psalms 127:3-5 (ESV)
I am blessed to share this very special moment with my daughter. I am far from a perfect father. I lose my temper. I speak harshly to her. I place my expectations upon her. She has enough pressures navigating the awkward turns of life without an overbearing and impatient father interjecting his opinions. Yet, God by His grace and mercy, spoke to her heart when she was 11 years old and she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. In spite of my failings as her father, her Heavenly Father knows how to best care for her and even uses a flawed person like myself to help guide her to adulthood.
“Dad! You’re doing it wrong!”
Yes, I am sweetheart, but with God’s help, you will be okay. Just continue to place God first in your life and He will make your path straight.
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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