“All girls are created
equally different.” This is the slogan for Angels and Tomboys, a
tween girl product line of fragrances and lotions. These two young lady
inventors (along with their mother) were
all three on the TV series, Shark Tank.
[i]
The above motto reminds me of Zechariah 3:5 (when the
temple was being rebuilt in Jerusalem). Nothings thrill me more as a father than
to see my adult daughter, Allena, lift her head up and laugh in uninhibited joy
at the moment over something humorous. (The children described below were also
having a moment of fun).
“And
boys and girls will fill the public parks,
laughing and playing – a good city to grow up in.”
For any father that has a one daughter (or many), you
know that your life has been enriched (and changed) by the goodness that goes
with the female presence of daughters.
Many of the rough edges of your personality have been
smoothed out due to fatherhood. Over the years, here are a few of the lessons
my daughter has taught me by just being herself:
1. Gentleness,
kindness, empathy, and patience are important character qualities I need to
cultivate as a man in general (with everyone). My daughter needs me to acquire them
for her sake.
2. Though
visits into “Female Land” (or “Lady World”) can be uncomfortable (and awkward
at best) both my daughter (and wife) appreciate my efforts as a man (husband
and father).
3. No
matter what a daughter says (at any age), she wants (and needs) security and
protection from her father.
4. It’s
important to remember your daughter’s world is seen (and defined) through the
lens cap of relationships (and emotions) with others.
5. What
your daughter needs most from you is honest communicate about what’s happening
in both of your lives.
I see so much of the positive (and negative) qualities of
myself in Allena. There have been so many pitfalls in my existence that I want my
daughter to avoid. There are also numerous good habits I’ve picked up over the
years that I want to become a regular part of who she is.
My wish for every daughter (and son) all over the world
is this:
“I wish for you a life
filled with love…a true love to share your every dream…family love to warm your
heart…and priceless love found in the gift of true friendship.
I wish for you
peace…peace in knowing who you are… peace in knowing what you believe in…and
peace in the understanding of what is important in life.
I wish you joy…joy as
you awaken every day with gratitude in your heart for new beginnings…joy when you
surrender to the beauty of a flower or a baby’s smile…and joy, a hundred times
returned, for each time you’ve brought happiness to another’s heart.” [ii]
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