Daddies.

Daddies hold a special place in a girl's heart. They are the first boy they ever love, a provider of protection, laughs, and overall useful knowledge. They teach you the ins and outs of how things work while their daughters {and probably sons for that matter} stretch and extend their patience. They offer a different perspective on strength and humor and they put aside their "manhood" with pleasure as they participate in tea parties and other explorations into princess-hood.

They come in different forms- biological, grandfather, step, teacher, friend, mentor. But, no matter who they are to you- their stern support and realistic outlook {with some room for big dreams!} help keep you balanced.

We got to celebrate some wonderful daddies in our life last weekend. My heart swells that my girls will know what fatherly love is in a healthy and Christ like way- that they are lucky enough to have men {and memories of men} that value fatherhood as active participants in their daily life. I wish this gift for so many. I pray for restoration and healing in those that have been hurt by fatherly relationships, that they know that they are not abandoned- that there is a father out there that loves them, it just may not be in who they originally trusted. I pray for fathers that have been hurt or misunderstood by children- that one day those children will realize the gift that they have been given before it is all but too late. I pray for mothers and fathers that are hurting in their relationships- that their partnerships may be mended or at least put into a safe place of team work once again through forgiveness.

I pray for more happy memories than sad. I pray for more days and moments like the ones below.

Thank you, Lord for daddies. Thank you for the gift that they are and thank you for a special day to celebrate them- a part from the daily.