One day, a man will come and take that spot across the table from my baby.
A part of my mama’s heart wishes she could stay my baby forever. The other part knows I must release her to become the woman she was created to be.
To that man,
Please sit with her at the table. Stay awhile. You will spend so much of your life together at the table—remember to enjoy these moments. Don’t be in a rush to leave. The years will pass by and you will realize all these ordinary moments are the most important moments of all.
Mighty man (for you will need to be mighty to capture my fierce girl’s heart), I pray you will be gentle with her. She is wonderful, beautiful, mischievous, fierce, and oh so loved. It has been my job but now it is yours-tell her every day that you love her and she is beautiful. Don’t skip a day.
I pray you will be strong for her. Stand with her as you do life together. In the good times and the bad.
Hold her when it all gets too much. Wipe her tears, but after you’ve let her cry them. Please understand you don’t have to “fix” her, you just need to be there.
Celebrate her. She’s amazing and it’s up to you to proclaim it to the world. Shout her praises until you’re blue in the face.
Listen to her as she pours her heart out to you.
Be her safe place. It’s a crazy world out there and she will need to know she can fall into your arms, when it all gets too much.
Pursue God together. Let Him guide you on your journey. Listen to the whispers in your soul.
Tell her to chase her dreams. And then go and chase them with her.
Believe her. Believe IN her. Make sure she knows it. When she has your backing, she will begin to believe in herself in a new way.
Tell the truth. Always. Walk in integrity.
Let the phrases “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you” be ridiculously common in your house.
Put God first. In your marriage. In your parenting. In everything. Of all the values and priorities you have, put this one at the top of the list. This will help you through the hard seasons you will have to walk through.
Mighty man, I know this list might seem a lot. It will seem like an insurmountable mountain, trying to live up to these expectations. Don’t worry because I know you have what it takes. That’s why she chose you.
I also know you will make mistakes. We all do. Don’t beat yourself up about it. One last, important piece of advice-give yourself grace. Extend grace to her, to your children, and everyone you come across.
And be gracious with me, too. She has been mine for the most wonderful season in my life, but now it is time for me to let go. My hearts aches and wistfully longs for those sweet moments of yesteryear, but now, she is yours.
Mighty man, please take care of my baby.