“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. She’s her Daddy’s girl. He’s been quite busy lately and she’s quite determined, even fixated on 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.
This last weekend was the much anticipated highlight for Bethany- the Daddy-Daughter Ball. That’s all she talked about for a week before! She kept asking, “Mom, where am I going this weekend?” I’d smile and say, “I don’t know.” She’d yell, “I’m going to the Daddy-Daughter Ball with my Dad!!!”
We went shopping and got a new dress and shoes. Then she got it in her head that 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! Then 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- the luxurious bubble bath, foot massage, hair curling, little dab of make-up, pull on the hose, slide in the new dress and of course- pictures! The energy from her anticipation was palpable. “I going to dance with my Daddy tonight.” “It’s Daddy and me- we’re going to have fun.”
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, laughing, enjoying the moment and each other, uninterrupted by phone calls, home work, or any responsibilities. Pure delight!
I want to suggest to you that we all need to have the same heart desire as Bethany. The desire to be with our “Daddy” all the time.
Of course I’m speaking about our Heavenly Father and the main difference is we can actually enter His presence anytime, anywhere, for any reason. We’re the ones who have to learn to “clear our schedule” to go the Ball. Our anticipation should be extreme, our preparation exciting, and the time spent uninterrupted. When we’re in the presence of our “Father”, He showers us with the priceless gifts of His presence. Maybe, just maybe, He views our choice to spend time with Him as our gift to Him.
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! How many of us truly understand the heart of our Heavenly Father? A love so great, He chose to send His own Son to redeem us without a guarantee that we would love Him in return. “He is a passionate Father who desires nothing from us except that we know His acceptance and delight, and he calls us to participate in the life and joy that the Father, Son and Spirit share together.” Jesus told us, “I have come that you might live and live life to the fullest.”
He’s inviting us to the dance!
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!!
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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!