Today is my daughter's birthday and my mind continues to playback my beautiful daughter as a child.
Reflecting on years gone by, I recall my desire for success, approval, and the “good” things life had to offer. Working 50-60 hours a week in an office was a way of achieving those things. On the drive home each night, I mentally would lay out my plans for the evening (or what was left of it). There was the lawn, the garden, repairs to the house, church activities, and softball. Today, I regretfully realize that I often forgot that “just spending time” with my children was part of their life training, and not just teaching them to help with work around the house.
My daughter, Stephanie, a four-year old, was so special in her desire for a relationship. She had a little table in her room and loved to have “Tea Parties”.
I can still hear her say, “Daddy, let’s have a tea party.” To which so often, I would make some excuse and ignore her. But that never stopped her from asking again. She would prepare the table with dishes, cups, forks, spoons, and knives, but even when I absent, she would set the table for three. One for her make believe doll friend, herself and for me.
When she strongly insisted, I would rush in and join her tea party.
Can you imagine a six foot plus man sitting on chairs, which were about ten inches off the floor? My knees were up in to my chin and you had to be able to touch your chin to your knees in order to reach for the cup of make-believe tea.
My daughter was a great make-believe cook and had a wonderful imagination for tasty food. We would sit together and drink tea, eat something yummy and just talk. She would tell me of her day’s activities (As much as a four year old could think of).
It was there I’d answer questions about life and about Jesus. You know the ones that continue with “Why?’.
The best part of the party came when it was time to pick up the dishes and clean them. My little girl would just say, “Your busy Daddy, so I’ll clean up”. I’d thank her and give her a little kiss. As I would go out the door of her room, the words, “I Love You Daddy” echoed behind me. I’d say, “I love you too” and journey off to the task ahead.
As Father’s Day approaches, I wish I could go back and have more of those tea parties again. I would train more in showing the love that Jesus had for us and the importance of relationships.
That was many years ago and my little girl has little girls of her own. In Proverbs, it notes that we should train up a child in the way it should go and it will not depart them. There is nothing about the past that I can change, but I encourage young fathers everywhere to slow down the drive for physical success and spend more quantity time with your sons and daughters.
Happy Birthday Stephanie!Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it
