I have thought about this day for a long, long time—all of Jenna’s life, really. I remember holding her in my arms when she was a newborn baby wondering who she would grow up to be and what she would grow up to do. I was scared to death actually. Did God really know what He was doing to allow me to father a child? What if I get this wrong? What if I break her? But as I held her a calm assurance came over me. Yes, God knew exactly what He was doing in my life, Vicki’s life, and Jenna’s. No, you won’t break her. And yes, you will get some things wrong, but if you learn from your mistakes it will be okay. And then…
Enjoy this precious girl. Enjoy every moment. It seems a long way off, but she will grow up fast. You are privileged to be part of her growing up. You, out of all the men in all of history, are chosen to be her father. The father-daughter relationship is yours to enjoy for all time, but raising her is for a very short season. You are raising her to leave!
This was not one of those times in life where I will say God spoke directly to me in an audible way (though I do feel He has done so on three occasions), but I have no doubt His Spirit was speaking softly to me to comfort my fears. I have carried these words with me for 18 years now. They are the foundational principle for how I approach fatherhood for all three of my children. This principle made yesterday a joyous occasion.
Vicki and I were tired when we got home some time after 10:00 last night. The whole day had been devoted to making Jenna a cozy home on the third floor of Georgia Hall. Fortunately, Trevecca had assigned their athletes to be on hand to move anything that was labeled to a room (and I would say those fellows slept very well last night). By suppertime Jenna’s room was starting to look like a home. We enjoyed meeting her roommate, Macy, and her family, as well as one of the two girls next door with whom they share a bathroom.
Vicki and I had a little time to kill as all the freshmen had an event to attend before they were reunited with us for a worship and prayer service to end the day. As we talked, then and on our way home later, we both felt so good about this being right. Jenna is ready. She has worked hard and earned this, and we feel God’s hand has been on her to bring her to this place to help her spread her wings and soar.
Jenna is an Intercultural Studies major. She plans to double major (or declare several minors) but has not yet decided what her additional studies will be. We know her path of study will take her far beyond the borders of our nation and send her out into the wide world. There are two courses that will take her abroad for extended periods time to do mission work in remote areas. This is her time to fly.
Vicki and I parted company with Jenna after the worship service ended. Our spirits were full to bursting as we watched her and Macy head off with the rest of the freshmen for a welcome to Trevecca party.
The room across the hall was empty last night. It will be empty more than it is occupied from now on. I praise my King for giving me the foresight to be able to feel a joy I could not have comprehended 18 years ago because this is good and this is right.
Joe
