TO INCITE ADVENTURE, to chase boundaries from their dreams, to hold open their hearts and guide them into the world all around, that is the whole of my heart as a parent.
Our bags await, packed and readied, for tomorrow we write an adventure together – just the two of us this time.
For months, I’ve listened to her little heart fizz with excitement as she dreamt up so many things for us to do together. I can’t help but think she’s more ready for this than I am. She always is. Today can barely hold onto her at times, especially when she loses herself in daydreams of a future she’s convinced can’t wait for her. She may very well be the fiery adventurous one of the three that leaves our home the moment she’s able to. I think she will. I love this about her – the adventure and hunger bound within her heart.
In her, I see clear my responsibility to God who’s crafted her heart in such a way as to long to chase the day ahead down and make it her own dwelling. Though the dad in me wants nothing more than to slow her step and keep her close, the father in me discovers fulfillment and exuberance in helping her learn to grow into the confidence needed to give gravity to the adventure calling to her. I’m not sure what she’ll do, but I’m set to help her learn to do it well, whatever the calling may be. And this means that as a parent I must be as much a learner with her as a teacher for her.
Tomorrow we set our way for the city of Angels. It wouldn’t have been my choice. As a matter of fact, I presented a strong case for the warm beaches of San Diego or the heavenly high woods just outside of San Francisco, to no avail, mind you. For in the end, this is her tenth year adventure. “Pick a place to explore; just you and me.” That was deal struck. When they reach their tenth birthday, they choose their adventure and together we explore.
I think we’ll find more than stars and scenery in the hills of LA. My prayer is we learn more about each other as dad and daughter and in the end, our hearts receive what all needed for the stretch of life ahead.
I love being a father. And I love adventures together.