Oh, how I wish you could see her now.

“Daddy, dance with me!” She’s standing at my husband’s feet, arms stretched towards the sky, her little fingers wiggling in the air. My husband picks her up and gently sets her on his toes. He twirls her around the room, the light from the window shining through her tutu. She throws her head back, her giggles echo through the halls. She is completely captivated by him.

Someday you’re going to stand before me, you’ll finally be here.

The music will start and you’ll take her by the hand. You’ll pull her in close and hold each other tightly; you’ve waited for this dance your whole life. You’ll dip her back, and her veil will be shining in the spotlight, her giggles will echo through the room. She will be completely captivated by you.

You’re nothing like I expected, but everything I’ve prayed for.

Oh, how long I’ve prayed for you. How I’ve known you were out there, the half that would make her whole.

We knew this day was coming, her father and I. The day when you would come and take her by the hand and she would take your name. And while this day is everything we’ve prayed for and more, you’re taking a part of our hearts and cleaving it to yours. The woman you love, our baby girl, has become your wife. And we could not be more proud.

But as you dance this night away with our little ballerina, hold tightly to these words from her mama. And remember Whose she is first.

Love our little girl – you were created to love her in a way that only you can. Cling to that love with all your might. Bind it to your heart. Tell her often and in many different ways. Love her like Jesus does. Your love is such a gift, but His for her is so much sweeter.

Protect our little girl – while we know you would give up your life for her, we pray that you would be the protecter of her heart. Guard her fiercely, cover her in prayer, stand up for her when she is weak. Her heart is so precious, son. Be the keeper of it she needs you to be.

Lead our little girl – while she is a strong woman, she longs to be led. Not pushed, not pulled, and not trampled on. Take her by the hand and lead her well. Point her to Jesus and remind her of who she is in Him.

Pray with our little girl – today is a good day, but there will be hard ones. And when they come, always meet them with prayer. Prayer changes everything, Son. Remember that it is the greatest tool that you have in your marriage. Put it on the front lines, and let Him fight for you in the stillness of your words.

Have fun with our little girl – you have no idea how much joy is ahead for the two of you, you and our girl. She has been the light of our lives for so many years, and now she is the light of yours. Take in the small moments with her, etch them on your heart. Remember the way her nose crinkles when she smiles and never grow tired of hearing her laugh from the depths of her soul.

And her laughter? Well, it’s never been the same since you walked into her life. It’s become more joyful, she’s become more radiant, and she has never been more complete.

So take her by the hand and drive away with her tonight. Love her well. Protect her fiercely. Lead her strongly. Pray with her ceaselessly. And cherish the little girl who’s dancing on her daddy’s feet for as long as you both shall live.

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