Raising a little girl is an amazing gift that only God could provide. To watch her grow...change...become. Wow! Talk about humbling. These are mine...one is sugar...the other spice...I'll leave the rest to the imagination (unless you've met them - in which case you're in the know). But many of you have your own little beauties that light your life. If boys are the pride of a father's heart, girls are the thief. Here are some brief thoughts from yesterday's message "Sugar and Spice - The Delicate Art of Raising Girls":
1. Tell her where you are - There is so much peer pressure...so many hurtful comments...so many attacks on a daughter's soul from the world outside. Make sure she knows just how secure her home is and just how enduring your love for her remains at all times no matter what. She will sometimes act her age but it doesn't mean you get to respond as though you're the same age. Avoid avoidable anger. Never use sarcasm and by all means...ask her forgiveness when necessary. It just might teach her more than you think.
2. Teach her how to love - Demonstrate a genuinely deep love for her by letting her know you love the current version of her and not just what you hope she will become someday...allow her the opportunity to glimpse an unconditional love that can only come from the heart of the Savior.
3. Show her Who to value - Give her the chance to see God by pointing her in the direction of His presence and involvement in her life. In every gift big and small remind her that God is the Giver of all good things (James 1:17) and that He loves her enough to draw her close and share His creation with her. But more than that, lead her into the knowledge that there is nothing more valuable than knowing Him intimately.
Our time of growing our daughters is limited to only a couple of decades. Let's relish the role and cherish every moment!
