Little girls need their daddies. Big girls do too.
Your girl may have stretched. Her moods may be unpredictable and run hot as lava. Her attitude may have outgrown her shoesize. And her body may look like a woman’s, even if the emotional maturity has not settled in yet.
But her heart needs you, by God’s design.
There is no substitute.
How a woman interacts with men is generally the same as how she interacted with her father. But perhaps more importantly, a little girl first experiences her heavenly father through her earthly one.
It’s a sobering thought.
Men, she needs you. She does not need eloquence or high end shoes (she may still ask). She does not need a car when she turns 16.
She needs your time and your attention.
What you say carries weight with her, whether she admits it or not.
Tell her the truth. Show her that when you say something you mean it. Show her she can trust your words – in the hard things as well as the sweet.
Tell her (gently) what she needs to hear. She may blow up at you. But you can see clearer than she can. She needs you to guide her till she’s ready to sail on her own.
Tell her you love her. More than once. If she knows that one fact, it will make a difference, even long after you are gone. She will hold to that love when others have discouraged her and criticized her. Not everyone will like her, but her dad’s love never quits. (How much more her heavenly father’s love!)
Tell her of God. Make worship and prayer a priority in your own life. Train her to do so as well. Show her that you lean on this Rock. In this world, she will not always have your protection. She will need to know a father who watches over her even when she sleeps.
Some men are gifted with words. Others speak louder through their actions. Either way, men, you communicate. Your daughters need you. Be strong, for if the Lord has set the task before you, he will give you the grace and strength you will need for it.
My son (and daughter), give me your heart,
and let your eyes observe my ways. ~ Proverbs 23:26
We will not hide them from their children,
but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done. ~ Psalm 78:4
Photo by Yousef Salhamoud on Unsplash
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