Parenting: A Welcome Reminder

Yesterday was a day to spend time with my oldest daughter. It wasn't planned that way, but it turned out to be time well spent.

We started with our weekly "Bagel and Bible" time, in which we head to a local shop and have some breakfast. Along the way, we open the Scriptures and interact about a particular passage. Yesterday was a hard one - Lamentations. All of it. The "weeping prophet" needed some contextualization for an 11 year-old, and I think it was a meaningful conversation for both of us. 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, in which we discussed the activities and people involved.

Mid-afternoon found us headed for the ski shop, where we picked up some rental equipment for her. Casual, 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 the ski trip. Dutifully, I grabbed a box. Not an overly meaningful exchange, but I helped her out in a small way.

All in all, a number of little interactions with a girl who 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, wrapped carefully in foil, with a 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.