You remember “Butterfly Kisses” don’t you?
It’s that tear-jerker Daddy and daughter song about a Daddy’s relationship with his little girl.
The song progresses from childhood to the day of the daughter’s wedding, and the deep emotion of it builds until you can hardly stand it.
When the song came out in 1997, my oldest daughter was 4 years old. Back then I thought it was sweet, a nice sentiment.
Now, it’s painful.
It’s painful because it’s all too real for me now.
My oldest daughter is 19, and home from college for the semester, prayerfully considering the LORD’s direction for this next chapter of her life.
I’m watching her as she helps her mom in the kitchen, loves on her siblings, and sits in the living room of the morning reading her Bible.
I’m watching as she rises early 3 days a week to go to work. I’m watching as she willingly and cheerfully contributes to the family budget during our time of transition.
She’s turned into a godly young lady.
Just what I wanted.
And I’m seeing that it probably won’t be very long before she’ll meet the guy who’s gonna’ win her heart.
Those daddy daughter songs like “Butterfly Kisses” have taken on a whole new meaning.
But I wouldn’t change a thing…
Even though I’ll have a hard time letting go when her wedding day comes, I know I wouldn’t stop it even if I could.
Her mom and I have raised her to be a godly woman, a loving wife, and a devoted mom. We’ve been aiming for that day all her life.
And I’m glad that it’s approaching.
It’s what parenting is all about… shaping a child into a godly adult… and sending them out into the world… in God’s care.
Those Daddy and daughter songs are popular for a reason…
They express a strange mix of loss and fulfillment… simultaneous sadness and joy.
They are deep, emotional expressions of every dad’s greatest hopes and dreams for his little girl, swirled together with the human desire to hang on to the sweetness of their innocent past.
But God has created time in such a way that it always moves forward.
Children grow up.
Daddys get old(er).
And Mr. Godly P. Wonderful comes along and wins her heart.
That’s the way it should be…
and this Daddy is glad for it.
How else is the legacy of faith to pass on to the next generation?
She’s going to be a great wife, and a wonderful mom.
I’m going to enjoy her while she’s still here, and continue investing in her day by day.
And remember that she’s got two younger sisters who are following close behind.
What are your thoughts about those Daddy daughter songs?
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