I danced.  For TWO STRAIGHT HOURS!!!  Yes, I’m a white boy—and, yes, I have rhythm—keep the jokes to yourself, ha, ha.  When I left I was sweaty and tired but there’s not much in this world that could have wiped the smile from my face.  I was blessed a few days ago to attend our local Father/Daughter dance with my daughter.  I could tell when we walked in she was a little uncomfortable.  After she caught a glimpse of her friends the fear quickly faded.  Every attempt to join was deflected by my little date as I was directed to the sidelines.  Apparently I wasn’t ‘cool’ enough.  Side note: getting the brush-off by a 6 yr old is a bit humbling but I wanted her to spread her wings so I allowed her freedom.  After about 30 minutes I was finally given permission to join her on the floor.  From then on the two of us were inseparable.  From the beginning of the evening to the end I made it a point to open the door for her, carry on conversation, and genuinely treat her like she was my date.  Why?  Because it’s my job.

I’m not sure how other father’s respond but I knew early in my daughter’s life it was my job to teach her how a young man is supposed to treat her.  Allowing the world to dictate how she is to dress, present herself, or be treated by those of the opposite sex is not an option for me.  My daughter becoming a Proverbs 31 woman is important to me [if you haven’t read that particular chapter lately, you should].  I realize the way I raise her will affect her positively or negatively for the rest of her life.  The way I treat her mother is a signal as to how she should allow herself to be treated.  The respect I show her should be the same respect she requires of anyone wishing to spend time with her.  Am I perfect?  No.  Do I always get it right?  Absolutely not.  I dare blink my eyes and she’ll be 16, 18, then 21.  I want the best for my daughter and it starts with me.  The same goes for my 2 yr old son.  I desire he become a man of integrity, showing the same grace and mercy to others that God has shown to him.  Again, it all starts at home.  Allow the world to teach these lessons to your children will assure they will have a skewed view of reality.  The devil is looking to steal, kill, and destroy…..and that includes my children’s future.  Parents—we have to step up, even when things become uncomfortable.  Was taking her to a dance my first choice of an outing with my daughter?  Probably not.  But this was something she wanted to do as she heard her friends talking about it.  So, I danced.  Dad’s and Mom’s–it’s time to dance.  Will we do it again?  Probably, if she’s interested.  I don’t have many moments with my little princess before prince charming is going to come rushing in to take her away.  Each moment is precious and I intend on capitalizing on them all.  Not because I have to but because it’s my job.    “…choose you this day whom you will serve……as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”  [Joshua 24:15]  Dance, baby girl.  Dance!!!