If you did not know, I have 2 children… one 4 years old and the other 16 months… both girls. As you can imagine, these two girls have me wrapped around their fingers. Sure, I try to act like they don’t, but in reality, I would do most anything for them. (I just hope they remember that Spiderman’s dad was right… “With great power comes great responsibility.” (Who am I kidding… they may never watch Spiderman… but I digress.))
It has been such a joy watching these two girls grow up and learn so many things… but recently I was reminded of one of my vastly important jobs as a dad. You see, for the last few years, when Jacey (my oldest) has gotten dressed for the day, she will come and find me and do a quick spin to “show off” her outfit (even more of a spin if she is wearing a dress). This will also happen when she gets to playing with dress-up clothes. She will change an outfit, then run and find me for one purpose… to seek my approval.
Although she has never said it, she wants me to say 4 very powerful words. What are they? Well, I’m glad you asked… but I bet you could guess…
“You are very beautiful.” Or even sometimes it is… “You are so pretty.”
It actually doesn’t matter which derivative of this statement you may use, the impact is always the same. She will give me the best smile, a little giggle, and run off… her cup completely full.
I don’t know when girls learn this… but what I have been reminded of is that it is never too early to start telling a girl this. Mikayla (my 16 month old) has already figured this concept out. Whether by watching her sister, or by some inherent insight, she will come running to me every morning after she gets dressed (shoes on, and hair done… a must) and wait for it. As soon as I say those magical words she flashes me her best smile and runs off… her cup completely full.
And this may sum up my desire as a dad… I want to fill my daughter’s cups in such a way that no boy can manipulate her… I want to fill my daughter’s cups so much that no girl can convince her that she is inadequate. I want my daughters to know that they are beautiful… and not just because of what they wear, but who they are.
I want my daughters to know that they are “fearfully and wonderfully made.”… That they are special… And that they have a family.
In fact, that is not a bad lesson for everyone to learn. You are beautiful… You are fearfully and wonderfully made… You are special… and you have a family (in God).
How do you let someone know they are beautiful?
