How Can I Not?

January 17, 2009 --"I haven't mentioned is how truly emotional and fearful I am as we get closer to the birth of our daughter. I've heard a lot of parents say: "Daughters are just harder to raise." To which I'd always think to myself, Well, that's pretty sexist. What's so bad about us?

Now, as we near the arrival of our girl, I'm really starting to understand what they meant. It's not that there's anything wrong with little girls. On the contrary, they are a beautiul blessing. Still, there are so many anxieties that blaze through my mind on a constant reel lately, leaving me with so many questions.

How do I teach her confidence without conceit?

I want to instill generosity in her, let her know that material things don't make a person, and still, I want to give her everything.

I want her to never doubt that she's the center of our world but to also understand that the world does not revolve around her.

How do I let her know that she can do anything a man can do but still show her the importance of being a lady? And let her know it's never ok for any man treat her less than just that...

Moreover, how do I teach her the difference between a man who treats her like a lady for the wrong reasons and the one who treats like a lady because she is.

How do you protect your kids and still manage to let them experience life? And with so many horrible horrible stories on the news, after seeing kidnappings and children being killed in freak sports accidents, how do you ever let them go out of the house again?

To be fair through all of this, I've also heard the phrase, "Thank Heaven for little girls." And there's no denying that this is absolutely true. Our daughter is a gift from God, and if He believes we can handle such an awesome task, then I shouldn't question... but still, how can I not?"