Today is the day...my first official "blog." I have gone back and forth as to whether or not I should do this...after all, would anyone really want to read my rambling thoughts, insights and opinions? But, I finally decided to go ahead. If nothing else, it will most likely give me something to look back on later and wonder what the heck I was thinking...
So first, a little bit about me.
I was raised in a Christian home. I came to know Christ at a fairly young age and I did what I thought I was supposed to do...be nice to others, give money as the offering plate was passed, get dressed up to go to church every Sunday morning and evening, and again on Wednesday evening. Basically, I was a Christian in appearance only. As I got older, I tended to “wander off” from Christ, only to come crawling back when I needed Him. Then, when things were back on track, I would head off on my own, thinking I could handle things. Looking back now, the journey of my life definitely looks like the Footprints poem. One of my favorite quotes is “Want to make God laugh? Tell him your plans.” I must have had God rolling back then. Today, I realize that I’m a passenger on this journey. God already has a plan in place for me, and He is in charge. I just have to trust in Him and follow His guidance. Is it always easy? Not at all! That’s where faith comes in, and that’s how our faith gets stronger. I am working daily in my relationship and journey with Christ. I strive each and every day to become more and more a man of God. I slip up, I get knocked down, I fail...there are many and roadblocks and setbacks...but I keep getting back up, learn from my mistakes and try to do better. I am FAR from perfect, believe me, and I have a ways to go in my journey. But, thankfully, I am loved by a patient, loving, and perfect God.
What I am is simply a Dad...a struggling Dad, thrown into the fire, so to say, and learning as I go. I struggle each and every day with decisions, temptations, family, friends, finances, home, work, etc. Basically, I struggle with life. I have been blessed with a wonderful family...a loving, beautiful wife and an amazing daughter...and, together, we face many different life situations, making our share of mistakes and learning valuable life lessons along the way. One thing I have learned is that raising my daughter is one of the scariest and hardest things I have ever done. Simply because not only am I responsible for myself, but I’m responsible for her as well. And not just her physical well-being, but, most importantly, her spiritual well-being...and that scares the crap out of me.
Last night was another "first" and "life lesson" for me. My daughter...a pre-teen...had her first "date" last night. She brought her boyfriend home to meet me, have dinner and watch a movie. I have to admit, she was beyond nervous...and I found it rather amusing. She really wants me to like this young man...which I take as a positive sign. But what keeps nagging at me is whether or not I Am really ready for my daughter to be dating. It seems like just yesterday, she was this little girl...a toddler...begging me to pick her up, give her a piggy-back ride, or give her yet another "horsey" ride on my knee. Where has that little girl gone? Now I have to worry about dating...boys...broken hearts...and the dreaded "S" word. I am SO not ready for this...but more importantly, am I prepared for this...and have I prepared my daughter for this. Have I taught her well enough in the ways of Christ? Will she stand firm in her faith and make good choices, or will she give in to pier pressure? All I can do is continue to reaffirm Jesus' teachings...by my words and my actions...and pray that she handles the rest as a Godly young woman.
I have to keep telling myself to just breath and relax...that this is all part of growing up...all part of life...that I need to be supportive and not smother her...that I need to let her find her way...that I need to keep loving her no matter what. But, letting go is easier said than done. She is my little girl...and always will be...no matter what.
This dating thing is going to happen, whether I like it or not, and all I can say now is...
And so it begins...
Last night was another "first" and "life lesson" for me. My daughter...a pre-teen...had her first "date" last night. She brought her boyfriend home to meet me, have dinner and watch a movie. I have to admit, she was beyond nervous...and I found it rather amusing. She really wants me to like this young man...which I take as a positive sign. But what keeps nagging at me is whether or not I Am really ready for my daughter to be dating. It seems like just yesterday, she was this little girl...a toddler...begging me to pick her up, give her a piggy-back ride, or give her yet another "horsey" ride on my knee. Where has that little girl gone? Now I have to worry about dating...boys...broken hearts...and the dreaded "S" word. I am SO not ready for this...but more importantly, am I prepared for this...and have I prepared my daughter for this. Have I taught her well enough in the ways of Christ? Will she stand firm in her faith and make good choices, or will she give in to pier pressure? All I can do is continue to reaffirm Jesus' teachings...by my words and my actions...and pray that she handles the rest as a Godly young woman.
I have to keep telling myself to just breath and relax...that this is all part of growing up...all part of life...that I need to be supportive and not smother her...that I need to let her find her way...that I need to keep loving her no matter what. But, letting go is easier said than done. She is my little girl...and always will be...no matter what.
This dating thing is going to happen, whether I like it or not, and all I can say now is...
And so it begins...
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