A Daddy’s Influence

Posted on August 13, 2010 
Filed Under Fathering, Parenting, Personal

From a journal entry about five years ago, the following captures the value of investing in the life of your child – especially as he or she enters the turbulent teen years.

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It was a day to spend some time with my oldest daughter.

We started with our weekly “Bagel and Bible” time, in which we head to a local coffee shop and have some breakfast. Along the way, as we conversed, we opened the Scriptures and interacted about a particular passage…and yesterday we tackled a hard one – Lamentations. All of it. I gave an overview of what the writer was trying to convey, the historical setting and also some thoughts about how we might apply some of the truths in the book to our lives today. The “weeping prophet” needed some contextualization for an 11 year-old, but I think it was a pretty meaningful conversation. I benefited from the reminder of right living and God’s forgiveness.

Several hours later, I ended up being the driver to pick her up from an after-church event. That made for a nice drive home with her – and nobody else in the car – during which we discussed the activities and people involved. She shared from her heart, and I felt a great privilege in offering some encouragement.

Mid-afternoon found us headed on another errand. Casual, it became a little chit-chat time for us.

Late afternoon she called when I was at the grocery store, and asked me to bring home some Cheerios for a dessert recipe she had started. This was a treat to take on a forthcoming trip. Dutifully, I grabbed a box. When I got home, she thanked me…not an overly meaningful exchange, but she expressed her gratitude for helping her out in a small way.

All in all, a number of little interactions with an 11 year-old daughter who still looks up to me and values my attentions.

So…this morning. As I head out the door, on my desk I find a small item, some  of that dessert she made with the Cheerios wrapped carefully in foil, along with a handwritten note. It was a nice little gesture. And it reminded me that the payoff was not just today, in getting a sweet treat from my daughter.

The payoff really was yesterday. Time invested wisely. Not always overly purposeful. Didn’t have to be. The point for my adolescent daughter was that she spent time with her Daddy. And that I cared enough to be there for the little rhythms of life. I had made time to be with her.

Her note was simple and to the point. And it made me tear up.

“To my father who loves me.”

What a welcome reminder…of the power God has given me as a Daddy.

~~ ~~

That daughter is now a vibrant 16 year-old. I’m happy to report that I still have her heart…she still looks up to me, and she’s still open to my fatherly advice and guidance. I’m a fortunate man!

Here’s hoping I make good use of that “Daddy power” today in her life, and in the lives of my other children.

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