“Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is His reward” (Psalm 127:3).

David and Lucille were enjoying coffee on their front porch that Monday night several weeks ago. The pastor’s message from just the day before came up, and Lucille mentioned to her husband, “Honey, it has been four months since Angie turned seventeen. I have talked to her frequently about the things that she needs to know as she is growing older. I agree with Pastor Kenward that dads need to have ongoing heart-to-heart talks with their daughters, not only their sons. You have such a wonderful opportunity to share with her about the importance of Godliness in dating, the do’s and don’ts of dating, and what your guidelines will be in her dating.” David took another drink of his coffee and said, “Lucy, Lucy! You are always fretting. I have plenty of time to talk with her.” The conversation went on for a little while but didn’t end pleasantly. Well, last night David had quite a dream. He dreamed that a beat up orange van with wild designs painted on it pulled up in his driveway with the horns sounding. Though he couldn’t see the driver, smoke was billowing from the driver’s window. Horrible music blared from all corners of this wicked looking van. In his dream his beloved Angie ran from the porch to go meet the unseen, unknown, unproven stranger in the orange van. In his dream he was running and chasing her, crying “Danger! Danger! Danger!” Awakening from his dream in a cold sweat he declared, “Today is the day I’m having that talk with my daughter about dating!” Dozens and dozens of subscribers to my Daily Prescriptions are dads with teenagers at home. Don’t be afraid to talk with your teens! They really need you. For a resource, dads, go to my website www.michaelpeck.org. Click Parenting and find, “So You Want to Date My Daughter?” It provides great principles in a humorous setting.

For today: There is nothing quite like a dad’s investment of himself in the life of His children.