My oldest daughter turns 14 today.  In the most cliché phrase of any father…where has the time gone?!?!  Seems like just yesterday I was holding her in my arms, throwing her in the air, playing dolls.  Time is fleeting, it is the rarest resource we each have.  We cannot get a second back.  I can’t say I’ve been a perfect father to her.  I’ve tried, I’ve failed, I apologize, I get back up again. 

What would I say to her as she turns 14 this year?  If I were to write her a letter, what are some points of wisdom I’d want her to know?  A few thoughts:

·         I believe in you.  I’m your biggest fan and will cheer you on through all of life’s journey.

·         He has a plan for your life.  You were created on purpose, for a purpose.  Live it; and live it well.

·         Heaven is real.  Be there.  In life, your faith will be tested.  He overcame so that you can be an overcomer.  Share your faith with others, because hell is real also.

·         I will always love your mother.  A lot of men walk away from their commitments, some even abandon their families in search of something better.  I will honor my marriage covenant with her, and in so doing, I will never abandon you.  Your Mom makes me a better Dad, and the more I love her, the better Dad I become.

·         I will always love you.  3 people on the face of this planet can call me Dad…and you’re one of them!  Nothing can change that. 

·         You are beautiful.  Beauty is found both on the inside and outside.  Don’t allow the world to tell you different.  They tend to focus on outward beauty.  Your beauty within is for them to discover.

·         Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.  Bless others with your time, talent or treasure (money).  Your heart will be drawn to those you bless.

·         You either win or you learn.  It’s not win or lose.  It’s win or learn.  Use your failures as learning opportunities, pick yourself back up, learn from it, and move on.

Sounds like a good start to a letter I’ll deliver to her on her birthday this year.  Inevitably, I’ll likely add a few as I write.  But this is a good start. 

So much to say…so little time…