“I want Daddy to stay home from work. I want to be with him all times.”
If Bethie has said this once, she’s said it at least 50 times the last 2 weeks.
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She’s her Daddy’s girl. He’s been quite busy lately and she’s quite determined (you could say obsessed) about having fun with her Dad. (From biking to climbing Pike’s Peak, from going to movies, swimming, or road trips, all our kids would vote Jeff as the “most fun Dad” who always finds ways to spend time with them and the family.)
Last weekend was the much anticipated highlight of the year for Bethany- the Daddy-Daughter Ball.
That’s literally all she talked about for two weeks before!
She’d run up and ask me- “Hey- Mom, where am I going this weekend?”
I’d smile and say, “Hmmmmm– I don’t know. Where?”
Then throwing her her head back she’d yell with delight, “I’m going to the Daddy-Daughter Ball with my Dad!!!”
[Tweet “Taking #time to make #memories is the most precious #gift you give your #children.”]
Getting Ready
We went shopping and got a new dress and shoes. Then Bethany had an epiphany. She wanted Daddy to give her a ring. I’m not sure all the back story of “why” it had to be a ring, but a ring it had to be. She was positive “Daddy ” wanted to give her something special. Therefore, we tried on every ring at Penny’s and finally settled on a huge marquise cut “diamond” ring that cost $8.00 but was “priceless” in her little brain!
Next. she insisted she had to get Daddy a gift and it had to be a watch. The only problem with that was every watch she liked was over $100.00 and after 10 minutes I was finally able to talk her into buying Daddy a tie that matched her dress. (whew 🙂 )
Next came the “PREPARATION”
– ahhhhhh- the luxurious bubble bath, a foot massage, hair curling, little dab of make-up, pull on the hose, slide in the new dress and of course- pictures- tons of pictures-! The energy from her anticipation was palpable.
“I going to dance with my Daddy tonight.” “It’s just my Daddy and me- we’re going to have fun-fun-FUN!”
[Tweet “We need to carve out #special, one on one time with each other. #relationships”]
I received 4 video clips on the phone that night, keeping me appraised of their celebration. Jeff said he tried to give her “the ring” twice but she had a specific timing in mind. She finally told him during a dance, “NOW, Daddy. Now, it’s time to give me my ring.”
They danced for two hours straight! The evening was filled with laughter and the pure enjoyment that comes from focusing on each other, uninterrupted by phone calls, home work, or any responsibilities. Pure delight!
A story had been unfolding before my eyes those two weeks.
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Bethany’s heart desire and wild anticipation sparked a longing in my heart to go to the “dance” with my “Daddy.
Of course I’m speaking about my Heavenly Daddy!
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I began to realize I get so busy that I skip the first step of even deciding to go to the dance with Him, much less setting aside those special moments where He can sweep me off my feet and I leave the cares and worries of this world far behind.
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[Tweet “You have an invitation to #dance through life with your #Father God #joy #life “]
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My biggest area of failure in learning to dance with my Daddy? Failing to “clear my schedule” to go the Ball.
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If I would just unclutter my life and refocus on the “dance”, my heart will begin to anticipate the loveliness that will come as I prepare to go to the dance with my Daddy!
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And during the dance, I match my steps to His. I surrender to His arms lovingly wrapped around me. I am His and He is mine. I follow His lead as He guides me around the dance floor. Surrounded by others, we revel in being one- Father and Daughter, dancing without care or worry- at least for that moment. And sometime during that moment of rhythm and music, starlight and beauty, I become aware I am His princess, swirling and twirling in the adoration of my Daddy.
Surprising Treasure: Zephaniah 3:17- “For the LORD your God is living among you. He is a mighty Savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
A few months ago, I read The Parable of the Dancing God, by C. Baxter Kruger. It’s a MUST READ!
It’s the story of the Prodigal Son retold, only this time the focus of the story isn’t on the sons but the heart of the Father!
Amen Cindy! This is definately something Edd and I have experienced more (or more aware) of in this past year…the love of our Father. It has been incredible. His grace and favor are amazing. We are so humbled by His “acceptance and delight” in us, not because of anything we can do but simply because He just does, as you say. I love the pictures. Thank you for sharing!
Do you know the song Dancin’ with my Father God in the Fields of Grace? LOVE!
Very true. Great words mom. Love you, and dad! 🙂
LOVE you all so much Noah! Keep dancing with Him! We’re so proud of you all! hugs
I have not heard that song before, Cindy. Who sings it?
By Big Daddy Weave- 🙂 Here’s a link to watch it on youtube
http://youtu.be/TODVr6qpmd4
Oh yes…I have heard this song many times. I didn’t make the connection. Great song!
“Dancing with my Father God in fields of grace!” Big Daddy Weave.
Ranking just below that of being a Christian, being a hubby and a daddy are my two greatest joys! Having Sarah, Kristin, Noah, Micah, Josh, Moriah, and Bethany as my children… Can it get any better? Not really, particularly because of who I am privileged to be co-parenting- my lovely, loving, 10 of a wife- Cindy! Being a grandpa to Finley, Cohen, Silas and Micah/Addie’s child, yet unborn, is way cool too! I don’t deserve it and yet I am blessed!
Aaaaaaamen hubby! 🙂
Oh, Cindy, thank you for sharing this heart-touching and heart-warming story! The analogy left me wiping tears. Yes, I want to spend time with my Father, I want to dance with Him “in fields of grace”!! Thank you for blessing and inspiring me!!
Thanks Rita- I’ve been enjoying your series so much! Isn’t it neat when we share what God is placing on our hearts! It’s like finding treasure all around 🙂 hugs
Sniff – dab-dab! This is so precious, and what an illustration of our relationship with our Father provided by our Savior, who loves us and gave Himself for us. I just love you folks all to pieces! <3
Oh Edy- Thanks- she was so wound up to be with Daddy! one line in the song- Dancing in the Fields of Grace goes “I love my Father, my Father loves me- I dance with my Father my Father sings over me!” Yes!
Cindy, Cindy Cindy….What can I say or add to a beautiful true story?? Beth is so full of love and I can close my eyes and almost see them dancing. I feel like she wanted to twirl and twill and she was so proud to be with her daddy. I cant say much else because words are not enough and pale in comparison to the actual event, but I know that she must have felt like Jeff was her knight in shining armor …Way to go Daddy!!
You got it right! It was looked forward to- then enjoyed- and then rejoiced about! What fun they had!
Cindy, I found your site from Jeff’s facebook page this morning. It was so good to see Bethany all grown up and dancing with your Daddy! I was such a Daddy’s girl….will now dance with him in heaven….thank you for this wonderful story! Love you… Becky Trammell
BECKY!!! You don’t know how many times Jeff and I talk with love about you and Ronny! so glad we’re connected again! I’ve quoted you so many times- “Jesus is crazy in love with you!” I just want you to know- I remember the lunch where we were talking about whether Bethany might or might not have downs syndrome- how afraid I was to find out. Thank you for your love and encouragement! Also want you to know, it’s been an amazing journey with God where He is stretching us, growing us, and giving us glimpses of His glory. Hugs sweet sister!
Cindy, I LOVE THIS POST! So beautiful. As a father of 2 beautiful girls myself, I feel as though I’m just starting to glimpse the Father’s heart. So proud that you and Jeff have gone before me, and have helped point the Way. I am so appreciative for you both are. 🙂 Hugs and love…
Thanks Steven! I’m so excited for you (as I am our own children now embarking on the beautiful adventure of parenthood) as you and Amanda embrace each new adventure, God has so many treasures ahead for you all! He will knit your hearts together in ways you can’t comprehend! Blessings and hugs to you all!