My Beautiful Daughter
My daughter, Rebekah, is so pretty. With a translucent smattering of freckles across her summer skin, and eyes that look as if there is a twinkling light somewhere behind them, she almost looks like a doll fashioned by the hands of some master artist. Her delicate chin sweetly curves into a lovely long neck giving way to lightly tanned shoulders and long graceful arms. Although she might be described as swan-like or willowy, her tapered waist and generous hips make hers a body for child-bearing. With a posture that is ballerina like, she is lovely to behold whether shes dressed up and ready for a night on the town, or donning a pair of old overalls and a denim hat.
One of the best things about Rebekah, though, is that she seems completely oblivious of her looks and their effect on people. This is not because she hasnt noticed that some people find her very attractive; it is, instead, because her looks simply dont mean a lot to her. Oh, sometimes shell look in the mirror and spot perceived flaws, moaning about the freckles or complaining that her tummy is not muscled enough, but for the most part, looks just arent high on her list of priorities. Rebekah loves animals and children and good looks just dont factor into those relationships. Its really fun to watch her playing with the kids she watches. She put on music and begins to dance in such goofy and unflattering ways that soon even the most reserved child is giggling and beginning to join her as she cracks through their inhibitions.
She has also been known to perform a bit of improvisation in the kitchen or if bored during a car ride. A carrot might become a microphone and her full lips and delicate features will suddenly twist into a squeezed-eyed grimace while she plays air guitar on a big spatula. In a really crazy mood, shes donned wild costumes, perhaps a big Russian winter hat in the middle of summer, giant mirror sunglasses, and shirt and shorts, then created a band with her brother (dressed in flight goggles and bandana) to make a home-video of Man of Constant Sorrow, or some other upbeat song. And every year we look forward to her annual performance of Santa Baby as she mouths the Eartha Kitt version and struts around in a short Santa skirt and boots. This silliness has been her way since she was very young and the times weve all doubled over in laughter at her antics are absolutely uncountable.
I think all parents are pleased when they have a lovely daughter. That was true even back in the Biblical days. And, even now, Im sure Brittany Spears mom looks at her daughter and smiles at how pretty she is. I wonder, though, if she also doesnt feel a twinge of sadness at the fact that Brittany has chosen to proclaim her adulthood to the world by wearing fewer clothes, posing for provocative pictures, and performing controversial acts in public. This is the way Brittany is shouting to the world, Ive grown up!
Rebekah, on the other hand, has done it a somewhat different way. Her maturity has developed from the inside out instead. With a love of God and a thirst for His word, she has grown from within. This has given her an inner glow and left her impervious to those who might influence her to make less of herself than she can be. Thoughtful, honest, and extremely pure of heart, she seeks to do Gods will before anything else. Her adornment is prayer and she is clothed in the Holy Spirit. Her compassion, understanding, and commitment to Jesus is how shes proclaiming her adulthood. Now married and ready to start a family of her own, my heart sings to be her parent. I have to thank God over and over again for the wonderful job hes done in transforming this pretty, funny, sparkly and emotional girl into a strong, noble, virtuous woman of character. THIS is what truly makes her beautiful and regardless of how life may ultimately ravage the transient appeal her outer body may hold, Rebekah will remain beautiful to all of us and to those who are drawn to her because her beauty is enhanced by God, Himself, and not just by make-up and expensive clothes.