This weekend my daughter Morgan got married and I’ve been asked repeatedly; “How are you doing?” My answer is, I’m doing really well. Yep, I really am.
Morgan, by all accounts captured my heart 20 years ago when the doctor placed her in my arms. At the time, giving her to another man, to be his “till death parts” would have been terrifying and unimaginable. But the years have a way of preparing us for some of life’s transitions.
Over the course of the last 4 years, Austin has become a member of the family. His respect and love for Morgan has never waned and this wary father, has learned to trust this guy that is now Morgan’s husband.
Parenting is harder than anyone can imagine and all the times you think “my kids will never do that” before you actually have kids, will come back to bite you in the butt, 10 fold. As they grow older, you hope that your kids will make wise choices. That they will select carefully who they choose to spend time with. Some of that decision making is directly related to us as parents putting up guardrails for that period of time that can be called the “idiot years”. These years, when through no fault of their own, kids aren’t thinking straight. If parents aren’t invested and looking out for them, the potential for a catastrophic, life altering mess to occur escalates exponentially. So, never give up on your offspring – guide them, direct them, put up guard rails, do the hard work and point them toward Jesus. It will be their saving grace and your peace of mind.
But you, man of God,…pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love,endurance and gentleness. 1 Timothy 6:11 was part of my reading yesterday and I knew it needed to be part of this post. I believe Austin is a man of God, I bless him in his leadership of their home and family. I see him as someone that is running hard after these attributes. This, as Morgan’s dad, gives me great peace and confidence.
I’m grateful for the time I’ve had to get acclimated to the idea that another man has captured her heart.
She will always be my “sweet pea” and I’ll always be her “daddyo” and that’s one thing I’m glad isn’t changing.
photo credit: Grant Beachy
So well-put, Gene. I am so grateful for the Holy Spirit–how He does prepare us to let go of our children–which is no easy task! Great advice for young parents. Thanks for sharing. Your daughter is beautiful. And thanks again for sharing Christ with me all those years ago at Nanticoke Homes (ha–so long ago I am not sure how to spell it now!) even though I didn’t want to hear it, you were one in a line of people God used to plant and water the seed of His people in me 🙂
Thanks Heidi! I thought you always spelled it Nantijoke. lol!~ All the best to you and Jim.