“I’m lonely. I haven’t had children and my
facebook timeline is blowing up with engagements and baby photos. I’m not even
in a relationship. When is it going to be my time?”
Those are words that left me speechless.
You see, I don’t know if you read LETTER TO A
BEAUTIFUL GIRL but I’m not really good at relationship advice. I think of “great advice” three days later. So before I forget, here is what I want to tell my daughter(s) if they ever ask me.
Daddy’s advice:
1) If a guy is interested in you, let him
pursue you. DON’T PURSUE HIM! Trust me on this one.
2) Dating gives us massive blind spots.
Please make sure you have friends who will tell you the truth about you, him
and your relationship. If you’re the only one who endorses the relationship,
chances are you’re overlooking something big.
3) You’ll sometimes feel like you’re running
out of time. Relax, breathe, you have time. This is not a race and you’re not
competing with your friends.
4) Before you say yes, know for sure that
he’ll pick Jesus over you in a heart beat! I cant emphasize this enough.
5) Your story is important and God has a part
for you in His story. Your marriage is not an end in itself. Marry a man on an
adventure with Jesus.
6. Daddy always loves you. ALWAYS. When you
make mistakes (which you will) remember you can always come home to Dad. No
matter what. Nothing you say to me will ever change how much I love you.
7. Your mom is the most AMAZING woman I’ve
ever met. You take after her. Make sure your husband says this about you too!
8. There will be plenty of days when your
husband won’t be able to give you what you want. That’s not only normal, it’s
the point. Look to Jesus. (p.s. He already knows what you’re thinking so GIVE IT TO HIM RAW.)
9. Nothing you go through is unique to just
you. Seek help. Seek wisdom. Seek counsel. Always. (p.s. I may be a little bias
but if I can, personally, recommend someone…I’d recommend your mom. She has A
LOT of wisdom. She’ll listen, laugh and cry with you. Please give her that gift).
10. I hope I’m great friends with him. I hope
I can be dad to him. I hope he can call me if he ever needs anything. I also
look forward to eating some wings and watching the game with him (unless he’s a
University of Michigan fan…but I know you wouldn’t EVER do that to your dad).
Be honest, one to ten, which one(s) did you need to hear?
Also, what would you like to emphasize or add
to the list? What would you want to tell your kids (or future kids) about
relationships?
