Last week, my husband and I went out for dinner. We observed several fathers eating dinner with their young daughters and enjoying a Daddy-Daughter Date night. Each girl was dressed in a pretty dress and had her hair fixed, and a couple of girls even wore tiaras – princesses. The dads wore boutonnieres, and each girl had a corsage. Our hearts were blessed to observe these special dinner dates.
Let’s consider father-daughter relationships during “everyday, real life.” A loving relationship takes more time and effort than putting on nice clothes and eating dinner in a restaurant once a year. How can a father love, encourage, seek enjoyment, and find delight in his relationship with his daughter?
Then came one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, and seeing [Jesus,] he fell at his feet and implored him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death. Come and lay your hands on her so that she may be made well and live.” And [Jesus] went with him.
- Mark 5:22-24
Jesus cares, and He wants us to bring our burdens to Him. The Bible records the story of a father who hurries to Jesus with an urgent request. He falls at his feet and exclaims, “My daughter is going to die. Please come, heal her.” This dad knows there is something big happening in his family. He runs to Jesus. Wow! This should be our first response to every situation in our lives! Our marriages, daughters and sons, family members, and other relationships.
There came from the ruler's house some who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” … Jesus said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not fear, only believe.” … 39 And when he had entered, he said to them, “Why are you making a commotion and weeping? The child is not dead but sleeping.” 40 And they laughed at him. … 41 “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 And immediately the girl got up and began walking (for she was twelve years of age), and they were immediately overcome with amazement.
- Mark 5:35, 36, 39-40, 41-42
Fathers advocate for the well-being of their daughters. This young daughter needed someone to speak up and let her urgent need for health and life be made known. Her father was her representative, her champion, and her defender. I dare say after this life & death situation, Jairus’ love for his daughter grew and became deeper and richer. He almost lost his little girl to the grips of death.
Loving fathers intentionally and regularly connect with daughters. Seek to connect with your daughter daily and open conversations that will convey your genuine interest in her. Make a list of items you would like to have her share with you. Here are some suggestions to get your conversation started:
Who is the bravest person she knows?
What is something that bothers her in life right now, and why?
What teacher would she like to trade places with for a day?
Ask her to tell you the earliest memory she has.
Head to Heart
Jesus commends us, “Do not fear, only believe.” Parents, our children are treasures. Daughters can bring a good dose of drama to our days. Sons will add extra activity and a generous share of mischief. Each of our children is a good gift from the Lord. They are worth the investment of time and energy.
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