He
stood on the outskirt with his sleepy four-year-old daughter in his arms.
Her party dress was slightly crinkled. The bow was slipping down her head as
her forehead was mopped with sweat, slicking her bangs down. She rested against
his chest. A good day was complete. Though the other adults were just getting
the party started, he
swayed his partied out little girl to the music while holding her gently
and strongly simultaneously. It was the essence of fatherhood and childhood. He
held her; she rested.
There comes a time when you realize the man you’re going to
love (and already do – even if you just haven’t met him yet)
is going to love you and how he loves you is how he will love your children.
You recognize the qualities you most likely will not catch at the bar nor do
you stop at how well he can hit a jump shot (though it sure does grab one’s attention).
It’s something we may not see by first impression and yet it’s the greatest
gift you will give to one another – the gift of becoming parents – and the gift
of your spouse to your children.
It’s an amazing reality to be privileged to become
co-creators with Christ and it’s a tension to recognize the need to remain the
Father’s children while simultaneously participating in the gift of parenthood
(whether spiritual or physical).
I don’t know all the particulars of how to live this
seemingly dichotomous reality. Yet, I imagine it’s like a dance – following and
falling in love with the
beat of the music.
Verso l’alto,
K. Grace
My personal favorite for dancing with Dad!
I won’t be afraid just as long as you stand by me
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