The song "Butterfly Kisses," written by Bob Carlisle and Randy Thomas, never really resonated with me until after I became a daddy in 2000. I love both of my children dearly, but there is something special about the bond between a father and his daughter. I'm not sure how the magic is made, but my daughter, Faith, and I have it. She may have been four or five the first time I heard the song on the radio, and I couldn't stop sobbing, as Carlisle sang about his little girl growing into a woman and ultimately getting married. You never know what emotion will flood your mind when posed with the request, but every dad knows the day is coming when a young man will approach him with the million-dollar question, "Sir, I would like to ask permission to marry your daughter." I may be a bit old fashioned, but I am not lying when I say that I have very high standards for the guy that I hand off the baton to, and he better take excellent care of my daughter. He needs to be highly motivated, a strong leader, and love her unconditionally. Oh, and if he can walk on water, that would be a bonus (kidding!). Fortunately, Faith has found such a saint in Parker. He is everything I could ask for in a man and future son-in-law, which saved me from having to deliver the speech I've been preparing for many years for the young man who requested my blessing: "Take good care of her, and I will always be an advocate in your corner. Hurt her, and well, you don't really want to know."We weren't quite sure who God would have for our daughter, realizing relationships are not always easy, especially when courting an independent young businesswoman like Faith. But as Parker discovered, there is a silver lining. Faith may be strong-willed, but she is decisive, low maintenance, and extremely loyal.In "Butterfly Kisses," Carlisle reflects on things like his little girl saying her prayers and turning sweet 16, and he keeps reminding himself he must have done something right to receive "a hug every morning and butterfly kisses at night." As he prepares to give his daughter away on her wedding day, she asks what he is thinking, to which he replies that he isn't sure but feels like he is losing his baby girl. When he begins to walk her down the aisle, he is reminded that love is also about letting go while cherishing the memories.It's truly a beautiful thing to watch the puzzle come together in your little girl's life, as the Lord reveals the partner he has chosen for her. "Train up a child in the way they should go and when they are old, they will not depart from it," (Proverbs 22:6). God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him," (Genesis 2:18).
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