All day, all day (a letter from Dad)

And just like that, we are setting up her dorm room. Exciting times ahead, but the journey to get here has been fast.

I heard a pastor say that following God is like walking down a path holding a lantern. You can only see a couple of feet in front of you as you walk. You never know for sure what the future holds. However, if you turn around, the path that you have traveled is illuminated. You see how God has uniquely managed your journey to bring you where you are today.

So, today, I can turn around and see the illuminated path of my daughter, how God has uniquely brought her to this spot. He has done marvelous things in her life. He has cared for her in the difficult moments and celebrated with her in the joys. Because of this, I know He has her future.

But, one thing for sure, the journey has flown by.

Time has a way of sneaking up on all of us. How many times have we said, “I can’t believe we have been here for (fill in the blank) years.” Be it time in a job, time lived in a house or city, or time being married, time sneaks up. It flies by.

But, time doesn’t erode memories. With that, I write my little Nat a letter……

You will always be Nat Nat to me. From our long runs together with you in the jogging stroller to the little girl that wanted to see herself on the video camera as we were filming her, shouting “turn it around” in every video, I have marveled at you. The dress up parties every night when dad got home from work, mostly pink dresses, because, well, that is you. Or, the little one who had extreme stage fright, until that one day, you bravely walked out and danced before the crowd. A flip switched. A little girl came out on that stage that we had only privately seen in our personal dance parties at home. Dad was in the audience crying over that little girl on stage. And, from that moment, no stage was too big. I remember the passion that was released against our boxer when she licked you in the face. The dog would never make that mistake again. The downtown trolly rides in Memphis. The walks through the Peabody, sitting on the dog statues. Karaoke in the playroom. Dancing to “Let Me Clear My Throat,” excitedly waiting for the moment in the song that we had to “freeze!” I remember teaching you how to ride your bike, the all pink bike with pink streamers. Your love of the beach and our nights catching crabs. Your first date and praying as I watched that girl walk out the door. The cheer and dance competitions, each and every one. And, the tough times. The tears that we prayed through. The courage of changing schools. The nights we celebrated your victories. So many memories that I will forever cherish.

And now, Dad’s little girl is excitedly walking in her dorm room. Wow. How did this happen so fast?

But, here is the awesome thing. You are ready. You. Are. Ready. You know this, but you have the Holy Spirit with you. God has uniquely chosen you. You are His princess, loved by the King. Remember those pink dresses that you loved as a little girl, God has better dresses than that planned for you, Nat. And, because of this, I know you are in good hands. Whenever there is doubt, He is there to fill the gap. Whenever there is fear, He is ready to provide peace. Whenever there are victories, remember to give Him glory.

And, know that I am in the audience cheering, watching the performance of your life. No one is cheering louder than your mom and me. You know those standing ovations you used to get as a little girl, well, now those ovations are constant, perpetual. As you run the race, I hope you can hear us cheering you on, standing in the background.

You’ll have some awesome wins. You’ll have some bumps along the road, as well. But, we are here. We are praying. We are standing and cheering you on. Just like in that play room when we would stand up and cheer after your solo performances, we now stand and cheer as you run the race of life.

My attention now turns to deep, heartfelt prayers for you. I mean, I have prayed for you a lot. But, now those prayers seem a little deeper. The Bible tells us that there is no greater love than for someone to lay down their life for another. Well, I always said that I would die for you. Outside of God, there is no greater love than what a mom and dad have for their daughter.

In my book, written for you and your siblings, I gave you nine lessons for life. I repeat them below with a special message.

Lesson 1: Read and know the Bible.

My wife and I have talked about our role as parents. The world causes parents to focus on so many things, activities that must be done to be defined as a great parent. Well, we boil our role down to one thing, making sure you know the Bible. And, you do. The lens through which you view the world is Scripture, and, I thank God for this. This lens will never lead you astray. The world, our culture, will constantly push against the words in the Bible, challenge those words. But, the words of God stand the test of time. The words of God are true. A life lived with this lens is a life of joy.

Lesson 2: Love the Jesus of the Bible.

The Bible is a book about your Savior. Many in the Bible knew the Scriptures without knowing the Savior. Continue to develop a personal passion for Jesus that will fuel your life, your love for others. All other fires will be extinguished. This fire will remain forever. And, He is with you always. Forever. Constantly. As you say, “fact!”

Lesson 3: Understand the personal threads woven into your fabric.

You have been uniquely made, crafted to be used for Him in this world. You have been woven with God’s threads. Embrace these threads. This is how God made you, the life he gave you. These threads are a gift. There is only one Nat Nat, and He will do mighty things for you. This is a promise.

Lesson 4: Cherish relationships, family and friends.

God gave us relationships as a gift. Recognize this. Don’t take relationships for granted. When the going gets tough, you need people in your life who love you. And, always know, those loud voices you hear are your mom and me giving you a standing ovation at the performance of your life.

Lesson 5: Don’t make mountains out of molehills.

Don’t let the small issues of life become big issues. Let the molehills remain molehills. There are going to be some major issues in your journey. Times will come that rock your world. Storms will come that challenge your faith. Take the small issues in stride so that you have energy for the big ones.

Lesson 6: Control money; don’t let it control you.

Jesus warned of money. He knew the danger that loomed with materiality. Recognize money as a gift and manage it wisely. Always be a giver, not one who goes after things.

Lesson 7: Don’t judge others.

In our culture today, the focus of many a conversation is other people. The tendency is to eat people for lunch. God, however, is the only judge. Learn from my life that everyone messes up. We are not the ones to point fingers, call people out. We are ones who love, no matter what.

Lesson 8: Fear is a trigger for action, a sign to move forward, to follow God and push through.

Never let fear stop you from doing. In fact, if you fear something, go after it hard. When you do, doors will open and you will see the world differently. God will lead you to places you never imagined. When you feel fear, recognize it and follow it. Just like that little girl dancing on that stage. Go Nat!

Lesson 9: Don’t follow culture; follow God.

God has a unique plan for your life. Culture will tell you otherwise, but don’t copy it. Lean on Romans 12:2 to discover his will for your life. Then, recklessly go after it. You go after it, and let him provide the safety. Culture calls. So does Jesus. Follow him.

Nine lessons that I pray you will take to heart. These lessons will lead you well.

So, Nat, I want you to know from the bottom of my heart that I could not be more proud of who you have become. The world is a better place because of you. Your smile, your laugh, your faith, your love brings joy to others. Always rest in who you are. You are a child of God.

And remember, how much does dad love you? I can hear that little girl saying back to me, “all day, all day.”

All day, all day, Nat. I got your back. Go for it.

Impact others. Live generously.

If you enjoy the post, please like The Anchor page on Facebook.

Follow my blog.